Looking to bolster its news focus and ratings, MSNBC is revising its afternoon programming.
The news network, which trails Fox News Channel and CNN, beginning on March 2, will feature a two-hour block from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. hosted by Thomas Roberts, who will return to daytime, after helming morning show, Way Too Early. Morning Joe cohosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski will host Way Too Early until a replacement is named.
As part of the revamp, MSNBC is canceling Ronan Farrow Daily and Joy Ann Reid’s The Reid Report. Both shows will air their final installments next week.
Reid will serve as a national correspondent and will produce original reporting for all platforms. She will be a regular contributor for MSNBC’s primetime shows, and will become the first dedicated reporter for NowThisNews.
For his part, Farrow will debut a series of primetime specials, driven by interviews with newsmakers, business leaders, artists, athletes, filmmakers, advocates, and elected officials. He also will contribute as a special correspondent.
The moves follow yesterday’s announcement that Tom Colicchio, the award-winning chef, restaurant owner, founder of Crafted Hospitality and TV personality, will join the service as its first-ever food correspondent for all platforms.
More moves are expected from MSNBC president Phil Griffin as he looks to revive the network's Nielsen news presence and Nielsen fortunes. .
