MS Now makes first major programming moves since name change

"Morning Joe, its flagship breakfast program, will shift back from being four hours to three hours, as Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough, married co-hosts, have talked about the strain of hosting a four-hour-long show every day. Taking one of those hours will be a new two-hour-long morning show from 9 to 11am hosted by Stephanie Ruhle, the longtime MS Now anchor who currently hosts a show at 11pm."

"Luke Russert, the son of legendary Meet the Press moderator, Tim Russert, will now co-host the show along with Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele. Alicia Menendez, who is currently part of the hosting trio, will get her own show from 12 to 2pm every day."

"Rebecca Kutler, the president of MS Now, tied the changes to the upcoming midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election. Many staffers who work on the affected shows will be able to move into new roles at the company, she said in a memo to employees. She said the company's overall staff count will grow by the end of the year."

MS Now, formerly MSNBC, announced significant programming changes following its spinoff as part of Versant media company. Morning Joe will reduce from four to three hours due to host strain, with Stephanie Ruhle launching a new two-hour morning show from 9-11am. Ali Velshi will host the late-night slot, Jacob Soboroff takes over the weekend show, and Luke Russert joins as co-host of the 7pm Weeknight program. Alicia Menendez receives her own 12-2pm daily show, while Chris Hayes returns to five-day weekly hosting. Ana Cabrera departs the network. Network president Rebecca Kutler attributed changes to upcoming midterm and 2028 presidential elections, noting staff will transition to new roles with overall headcount growing by year-end.

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