Here’s who’s moving from CBS News to MS NOW as – Business News
A former “CBS Mornings” govt producer who was extensively seen as Gayle King’s proper hand has landed at MS NOW as the cable outlet ramps up its political protection forward of the midterms.
The Versant-owned community confirmed that Shawna Thomas will be a part of as head of its political unit, overseeing marketing campaign and election protection whereas additionally showing on air.
Thomas beforehand declined an offer from CBS News to stay as a contributor after stepping down from her position working “CBS Mornings.”
Shawna Thomas, former govt producer of “CBS Mornings,” is headed to MS NOW. Thomas is seen holding an Emmy Award. From left to proper: Tony Dokoupil, Vladimir Duthiers, Gayle King, Thomas and Nate Burleson. CBS by way of Getty Images
She will direct the community’s protection as voters weigh their selections forward of the November elections.
Thomas will head MS NOW’s political protection within the run-up to the midterm elections. Getty Images
“It will be an honor to work with everyone at MS NOW to help inform an audience that craves context and meaning, along with the political machinations of the moment,” Thomas mentioned in a assertion.
“It’s no secret that I’ve missed Washington, DC, and this is a homecoming of sorts.”
Thomas joins MS NOW simply weeks after exiting her position as prime producer for “CBS Mornings” — a post she held since 2021.
Thomas (seen far proper with Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz) was seen as Gayle King’s proper hand, in accordance to sources. CBS by way of Getty Images
Her departure from CBS got here amid an overhaul of the community overseen by Bari Weiss, the Free Press co-founder who was put in as editor-in-chief of the Paramount Skydance-owned information division by billionaire CEO David Ellison.
Thomas left CBS simply days after “CBS Mornings” co-host King re-signed with the community. Before leaving, Thomas pushed back on options from prime brass who had been searching for methods to enhance sagging scores on the flagship morning show, The Post reported final month.
“She’s been a roadblock to making changes,” a source with information of the scenario beforehand informed The Post, including that King had “empowered” Thomas to set an “agenda” that translated to viewership losses.
MS NOW has constructed out its newsroom since being spun off from Comcast and rebranded from MSNBC. Bloomberg by way of Getty Images
Under Thomas, “CBS Mornings,” which was as soon as a main revenue-producer for the community, has seen its viewership fall to beneath 1.8 million per day in current months.
Some critics pointed to Thomas’s programming selections that will have alienated massive swathes of viewers, together with segments on variety, equity and inclusion, as properly as an interview with a drag queen.
Thomas brings prolonged expertise in political and broadcast journalism, together with more than a decade at NBC News. She rose there from information assistant to senior producer and senior digital editor at “Meet the Press,” and did stints as a White House and Capitol Hill producer serving to steer election protection.
She later served as Washington bureau chief for Vice News, overseeing politics and coverage reporting for “Vice News Tonight” on HBO.
