MS NOW is expanding its weekend programming with a new partnership with Crooked Media, bringing a slate of progressive podcasts to television screens beginning . The deal marks a further evolution for MS NOW as it seeks to solidify its position as a provider of liberal-leaning political commentary and news.
“Crooked on MS NOW” will air on Saturday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, featuring highlights from popular Crooked Media podcasts including “Pod Save America,” “Pod Save the World,” “Strict Scrutiny,” “Lovett or Leave It,” “Runaway Country with Alex Wagner,” “Hysteria,” “Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams,” “Offline with Jon Favreau,” and “What A Day.” The move leverages the established audience and brand recognition of Crooked Media’s audio content, translating it to a visual medium for MS NOW viewers.
Crooked Media, founded in 2017 by former Obama administration staffers Jon Lovett, Jon Favreau, and Tommy Vietor, has become a significant force in the progressive podcasting landscape. The company’s podcasts generate over 30 million monthly downloads, according to MS NOW, and have featured high-profile guests such as former President Barack Obama and California Governor Gavin Newsom. This audience reach is a key asset for MS NOW as it aims to attract and retain viewers.
The partnership comes as the podcasting industry continues to mature and integrate with traditional media. MS NOW already has a substantial investment in audio content, boasting 20 original podcasts and 22 “showcasts,” including “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra,” “MS NOW Presents: Clock It,” “Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order,” and “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace.” The addition of Crooked Media’s portfolio expands this offering and provides a different format – a compilation show – to appeal to a broader range of viewers.
This move by MS NOW is part of a broader trend of media companies seeking to diversify their content offerings and reach audiences across multiple platforms. The network, originally launched in as MSNBC, underwent a rebranding in , becoming MS NOW under the ownership of Versant. The rebranding signaled a shift in focus and a commitment to a more defined ideological positioning.
The deal with Crooked Media is not occurring in isolation. Fox News is also expanding its audio presence, with Sean Hannity launching a twice-weekly podcast on Fox News Media beginning . Hannity’s podcast will feature long-form interviews with figures from various sectors, including culture, business, sports, and politics. This parallel move highlights the growing importance of podcasts as a platform for political and cultural discourse.
Elsewhere in the media landscape, CBS is seeing personnel shifts and office consolidations. Norah O’Donnell will guest-host CBS Mornings from to , while several CBS properties, including 60 Minutes, are relocating as parent company Paramount Skydance streamlines its New York City office space. 60 Minutes staff will move to the CBS Broadcast Center.
The streaming landscape is also evolving, with Fox Nation now available on Amazon’s Prime Video for $8.99 per month or $71.88 annually. Subscribers can also bundle Fox Nation with the Fox One streaming service for $24.99 per month. This move aims to broaden the reach of Fox Nation’s direct-to-consumer offering by leveraging the established infrastructure and subscriber base of Amazon Prime Video.
The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson on , has prompted C-SPAN to dedicate all-day programming on its sister network, C-SPAN2, to historic videos of the civil rights icon. The marathon features Jackson’s most important speeches and interviews, including his impactful 1984 Democratic convention address.
For MS NOW, the Crooked Media partnership represents a strategic bet on the power of established podcast brands to draw viewers to its Saturday night lineup. The success of this venture will likely be a key indicator of the network’s ability to connect with a progressive audience and further differentiate itself in the crowded cable news market. The move also underscores the increasing convergence of audio and video content, as media companies seek to maximize their reach and engagement across multiple platforms.
