MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, showcases a powerhouse lineup of the most influential female anchors, driving the American cable news network’s schedule for daytime, primetime, and weekend programming.
These female anchors deliver breaking news, shape political discourse, and blend sharp analysis with viewer engagement.
They are amplifying the voices and redefining modern broadcast journalism.
MS NOW emerged from MSNBC’s 2025 rebrand, featuring both seasoned and rising stars who embody authority, credibility, and adaptability in the evolving media landscape.
The MS NOW overhaul
In March 2026, MS NOW announced an overhaul of its anchor lineup from morning to night as the network prepares to cover the 2026 midterm elections.
In a memo to staffers, MS NOW president Rebecca Kutler stated that the employees will be able to shift to new roles given the overhauls, effective June 2026.
“As part of these programming changes, team members will have the opportunity to shift into new roles to support new priorities. In most cases, comparable opportunities will be available to employees as these changes take shape,” she stated.
“Overall, we expect to have more people working at MS NOW by the end of 2026 than we do today.”
Below is a look at the women at the forefront of political and news coverage.
1. Stephanie Ruhle
Stephanie Ruhle is one of the most recognizable faces on MS NOW, serving as a senior business analyst and co-hosting the MS Now YouTube Live series, It’s Happening with Velshi & Ruhle.
Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Lehigh University.
Following changes at the network, Ruhle is set to anchor the 9-11 a.m. program, which focuses on money, politics, and markets, in a revamped morning show, bringing her political insight and sharp acumen to a wider audience starting in June.
She previously hosted The 11th Hour from January 27, 2022, after she was named a permanent anchor following Brian Williams’s exit from the network in December 2021.
Additionally, she served as the editor at large at Bloomberg News, as well as a managing editor and news anchor for Bloomberg Television.
Before joining television, she worked in investment banking for 14 years, giving her a unique ability to break down complex economic stories for viewers.
She is also one of the most respected voices on the network for her analytical, direct interviewing style.
2. Ana Cabrera
Ana Cabrera is a key personality in MS NOW’s daytime programming. She anchored a flagship daytime show dubbed Ana Cabera Reports, covering live developments and breaking news.
Cabrera, who holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and foreign languages and cultures from Washington State University, is leading the 10 am to 12 pm program and is set to leave the channel according to the recent changes.
Despite her anticipated departure, her contribution to MS NOW remains significant, as her calm professionalism marked daytime staples.
Before joining MS NOW, she served as a national correspondent and anchor at CNN. She also worked as an anchor at an ABC affiliate, KMGH, and at KHQ and KAYU in Spokane.
3. Chris Jansing
Chris Jasing is one of the most experienced journalists on MS NOW.
Jasing, who holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Otterbein College, is set to transition from anchoring Chris Jansing Reports from 12 to 2 pm to becoming the network’s chief political reporter.
Her reporting mainly focuses on the US elections, politics, and policy analysis. She also plays a crucial role in major political events.
She initially served as the network’s national correspondent from June 2017 until assuming her current role. She also anchored the Jansing and Company program from 2010 to June 2014, when she became NBC’s senior White House correspondent.
4. Katy Tur
Katy Tur leads one of MS NOW’s key daytime programs, the Katy Tur Reports, which runs from 2-5 p.m.
Katy Tur holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of California.
Tur gained prominence through coverage of Donald Trump’s 2026 presidential campaign, during which her on-the-ground reporting earned widespread recognition.
Tur remains a key figure in live news coverage, specifically breaking national and political stories in 2026.
Her podcast extends her influence, blending her field experience and studio analysis, making her one of the most dynamic duos on the network.
Before joining MS NOW, she reported for KTLA, HD News, Fox 5 New York, News 12 Brooklyn, and WPIX-TV.
Additionally, she worked as a storm chaser for The Weather Channel.
5. Nicolle Wallace
Eagleton Institute of Politics
Nicolle Wallace has hosted the flagship political program Deadline: White House at 4 p.m. ET since May 2017.
Wallace, who holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of California, Berkeley, offers insider insights into the GOP.
She has unique insight into political strategy and governance, having served as a former White House communications director.
She is known for her ability to break down complex political developments and her thoughtful interviews.
Prior to that, she served as an analyst for the network’s live coverage of the election results in November 2016. Additionally, she was a frequent contributor on The 11th Hour with Brian and Morning Joe as well as NBC’s Today Show.
Furthermore, she worked at ABC as a co-host of The View series in 2014.
Similarly, she was the executive producer for MS Now’s fundraiser to support Ukraine during the 2022 invasion by Russia, a primetime special, Ukraine: Answering the Call.
6. Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow remains one of the most influential figures on MS NOW, headlining primetime at 9 p.m. ET with in-depth investigations dubbed The Rachel Maddow Show.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford University and a doctorate in political science from the University of Oxford.
Maddow, on a sporadic hiatus, her return dominates ratings.
Prior to the show, she filled in for several broadcasts in 2008 and served as a substitute host for Countdown with Keith Olbermann. She was also a regular panelist on the network’s show Tucker and a correspondent for The Advocate Newsmagazine.
7. Alicia Menendez
Alicia Menendez is a prominent voice on MS Now’s analysis and opinion programming.
She co-hosts The Weeknight and is set to take over the 12-2 p.m. ET’s afternoon show, succeeding Chris Jansing in the recent changes.
Prior to her new role, she hosted American Voices until January 2024. She also anchored The Weekend program alongside other co-hosts since November 2023. She was also a frequent contributor on Fox News Channel and CNN.
8. Jen Psaki
Jen Psaki is a notable anchor on the MS NOW network.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and sociology from the College of William & Mary and brings a unique political perspective to the network.
As host of The Briefing with Jen Psaki since February 2025, she leverages her experience as a former White House press secretary to provide insider analysis of government and policy.
Her show combines interviews, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes insights into U.S. politics.
Prior to this. She has hosted a Sunday morning program on MS NOW, Inside with Jen Psaki, since March 2023.
Before her current role, she served as a contributor to the network, making appearances in the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election.
She also worked as the travelling press secretary for Barack Obama throughout the 2008 presidential campaign.
9. Alex Witt
Alex Witt is a veteran weekend anchor on MS NOW.
Alex Witt, who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations from the University of Southern California, hosts Alex Witt Reports, covering major stories during weekend programming.
She is known for her ability to guide viewers through complex cycles and balanced reporting, especially during developing stories.
She joined the network in 1999. She also served as a reporter for WNYW-TV from 1996 to 1998 and KCBA from 1990 to 1992.
Additionally, she worked for KABC-TV, KNBC-TV, and KCBS-TV.
10. Symone Sanders – Townsend
Symone Sanders-Townsend is another influential voice on MS NOW, co-hosting The Weeknight and bringing her experience as a political strategist to broadcast journalism.
She holds a degree in business administration from Creighton University. Sanders-Townsend is known for her energetic delivery and sharp political analysis, particularly on issues affecting younger audiences and marginalised communities.