MS NOW, the cable network formerly known as MSNBC, has announced a major programming shakeup that will see the runtime of flagship show Morning Joe reduced from four hours to three. The changes, set to take effect by June ahead of the midterm elections, were revealed by network president Rebecca Kutler during an editorial call on Wednesday.
Morning Joe, hosted by husband-and-wife duo Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, will now air from 6am to 9am instead of 6am to 10am. The hosts have previously spoken about the demands of a four-hour show. The 9am to 11am slot will be filled by Stephanie Ruhle, who is moving from her previous role.
Alicia Menendez, daughter of disgraced former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, has been given her own show from 12pm to 2pm. She previously co-hosted The Weeknight at 7pm. Luke Russert, son of the late NBC Meet the Press anchor Tim Russert, will take over as full-time host of The Weeknight. Ali Velshi will move to host The 11th Hour, the network's final show of the day, while Jacob Soboroff takes over his weekend slot.
Other changes include Chris Jansing becoming chief political reporter, Katy Tur and Nicolle Wallace retaining their slots, and Ana Cabrera departing the network. Cabrera, who joined in 2023, thanked colleagues and viewers in a social media post. The only gap in the daytime schedule is the 11am to 12pm slot, with a new anchor to be announced.
Kutler confirmed there will be no layoffs, with staff moving into new roles. Primetime programming remains largely unaffected, though Chris Hayes will return to Monday nights at 8pm. The network will drop the 'Reports' branding for daytime shows, focusing on hard news rather than opinion.
