MS NOW Announces Major Schedule Reshuffle with Daytime Focus
Cable news network MS NOW has unveiled a significant overhaul of its programming schedule, primarily affecting daytime hours. The changes involve moving prominent anchors Stephanie Ruhle and Alicia Menendez into new daytime slots, while also trimming the duration of the flagship show "Morning Joe."
Anchor Shifts and New Assignments
According to a network statement released on Wednesday, Stephanie Ruhle will now anchor a two-hour daytime program starting at 9 a.m. ET. Alicia Menendez will take over a slot beginning at noon. These moves are part of a broader strategy to refresh the network's daytime lineup.
In related adjustments, Ali Velshi will assume hosting duties for Ruhle's previous 11 p.m. show. Luke Russert will join Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele on "The Weeknight," which airs at 7 p.m., replacing Menendez in that ensemble.
Reductions and Departures in Daytime Programming
The "Morning Joe" team will see its airtime reduced from four hours to three, starting at 6 a.m. MS NOW clarified that this cutback was initiated at the show's own request, reflecting a collaborative decision-making process.
As a result of the reshuffle, two current daytime anchors are affected. Ana Cabrera will depart from the network entirely, while Chris Jansing transitions to a new role as MS NOW's chief political reporter. The network has yet to announce a replacement for the vacant 11 a.m. time slot, with all changes scheduled to take effect in June.
Weekend Expansion and Geographic Shift
In a notable expansion of weekend programming, Jacob Soboroff will anchor two three-hour shifts. This initiative marks the network's first program to be based in Los Angeles, signaling a strategic geographic diversification for MS NOW's production footprint.
