MS NOW is making sweeping changes to its programming schedule, touching all dayparts.
These changes, announced today and set to begin in June, are meant to better position the network in preparation for the midterm elections while also looking ahead to the 2028 presidential elections.
In a memo to staffers, MS NOW president Rebecca Kutler said these forthcoming moves are “building on the momentum that we are already seeing in 2026.” She noted that the network has seen double-digit viewership growth across every daypart in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo.
Headlining the changes is late-night host Stephanie Ruhle, who is departing her 11 p.m. perch to anchor a new two-hour morning show airing at 9 a.m. (all times Eastern).
She will continue to be MS NOW’s senior business analyst.
With Ruhle moving to the 9 a.m. slot, Morning Joe returns to its three-hour format after a four-year run. Jonathan Lemire will serve as co-anchor of the 8 a.m. hour.
Ali Velshi will take over the 11th Hour. The newly named chief data reporter will depart his weekend post, which will be filled by Jacob Soboroff anchoring from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. out of the network’s Los Angeles bureau.
The Weeknight’s Alicia Menendez moves to the 12-2 p.m. slot. Replacing her on the ensemble program will be Luke Russert, joining Symone Sanders Townsend and Michael Steele around the table.
The Weeknight will also lose an hour on Mondays, reverting to a one-hour show. It cedes its 8 p.m. time slot to All In with Chris Hayes, which is expanding from its current four-day-a-week schedule.
MS NOW is moving Chris Jansing from the studio to the field, becoming the network’s chief political reporter, where she will cover important political stories impacting voters across the country.
Finally, Ana Cabrera will be departing the network after a three-year run. In a note to colleagues, Cabrera said, “I am truly grateful for my time at MS NOW, for my wonderful colleagues, my amazing team that works so hard every day, and for you, the viewers who’ve put your trust in me to serve you through this most meaningful work.”
Personal news…
— Ana Cabrera (@anacabrera.bsky.social) March 18, 2026 at 10:05 AM
