MS NOW Overhauls Lineup: A Sign of Shifting Strategies in Cable News
MS NOW is undergoing a significant revamp of its programming, impacting nearly every daypart. The changes, announced by President Rebecca Kutler, signal a strategic pivot as the network prepares for the 2026 midterm elections and the launch of a digital subscription product. This isn’t just a shuffling of faces; it’s a recalibration of priorities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The Morning Shift: ‘Morning Joe’ Returns to Form
One of the most notable changes involves Morning Joe. The program will revert to its original three-hour format (6-9 a.m. ET), addressing concerns about the strain of a four-hour present on hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Joe Lemire will move to co-anchor the 8 a.m. Hour. This adjustment also aims to free up resources for the development of content for MS NOW’s forthcoming digital subscription service.
Midday Makeover: New Faces and Roles
The midday block is experiencing a substantial overhaul. Alicia Menendez will take the helm of the 12-2 p.m. Slot, joined full-time by Luke Russert. Chris Hayes will return to anchoring Mondays at 8 p.m., a role he previously scaled back from in 2023. Chris Jansing will transition to a new position as chief political reporter, a crucial role given the approaching midterm elections. Ana Cabrera will be leaving the channel.
Evening and Weekend Adjustments
Ali Velshi is stepping into the late-night slot with The 11th Hour, succeeding Stephanie Ruhle. Ruhle, in turn, will anchor a new daytime program from 9-11 a.m., focusing on the intersection of money and politics. Jacob Soboroff will take over Velshi’s weekend time slot (10 a.m. To 1 p.m.).
Beyond the Schedule: A Focus on Growth and Digital Expansion
These changes aren’t simply about filling time slots. Kutler emphasized that MS NOW isn’t reducing resources, but rather reallocating them to support new priorities. The network anticipates an increase in staff by the end of 2026. The overarching goal is to boost MS NOW’s market share in the pay-TV sector while simultaneously building a compelling subscription product for dedicated viewers.
The Broader Trend: Cable News Adapts to a Changing World
MS NOW’s restructuring reflects a broader trend within cable news. Networks are grappling with declining viewership in traditional pay-TV and are increasingly looking to digital platforms for growth. The emphasis on a subscription product is a direct response to this shift, aiming to cultivate a loyal audience willing to pay for exclusive content and deeper engagement.
The move to bolster political reporting with Jansing’s new role also highlights the continued importance of election coverage in driving viewership and establishing a network’s credibility. The 2026 midterms are already shaping up to be a pivotal moment, and MS NOW is positioning itself to be a key player in the coverage.
New MS NOW Schedule (Effective Date Not Specified)
WEEKDAYS
- 5 a.m. ET: Way Too Early with Ali Vitali
- 6-9 a.m. ET: Morning Joe
- 9-11 a.m. ET: Stephanie Ruhle anchors
- 11 a.m. ET: Anchor to be announced
- 12-2 p.m. ET: Alicia Menendez anchors
- 2-4 p.m. ET: Katy Tur anchors
- 4-6 p.m. ET: Deadline: White House
- 6 p.m. ET: The Beat with Ari Melber
- 7 p.m. ET: The Weeknight
- 8 p.m. ET: All In with Chris Hayes
- 9 p.m. ET: The Rachel Maddow Show (Monday) / The Briefing with Jen Psaki (Tuesday-Friday)
- 10 p.m. ET: The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
- 11 p.m. ET: The 11th Hour with Ali Velshi
WEEKENDS
- 7-10 a.m. ET: The Weekend
- 10 a.m. -1 p.m. ET: Jacob Soboroff anchors
- 1-4 p.m. ET: Alex Witt anchors
- 4-5 p.m. ET: The Beat: Weekend / Deadline: White House Weekend
- 5-6 p.m. ET: PoliticsNation
- 6-9 p.m. ET: The Weekend: Primetime
- 9 p.m. ET: Crooked on MS NOW (Saturday)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is driving these changes at MS NOW? The changes are driven by a desire to grow market share and launch a digital subscription product.
- Who is taking over The 11th Hour? Ali Velshi will be taking over The 11th Hour.
- What is Stephanie Ruhle’s new role? Stephanie Ruhle will anchor a new daytime program from 9-11 a.m. Focusing on money and politics.
- Will there be job losses as a result of these changes? MS NOW has stated it is not cutting back on resources and expects to have more employees by the end of 2026.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on MS NOW’s digital offerings in the coming months. The success of their subscription product will be a key indicator of their long-term strategy.
What do you think of these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
