Shawna Thomas Joins MS NOW as Political Director: A New Chapter in Political Coverage
Shawna Thomas, former executive producer of CBS Mornings, has joined MS NOW as the cable network's political director. With the upcoming midterm elections, Thomas will lead coverage of campaigns and elections, aiming to provide context and meaning to the audience. She expressed excitement about returning to Washington, D.C., and contributing to MS NOW's coverage of the 2028 election, which is expected to be highly competitive.
Thomas' move to MS NOW follows her departure from CBS News after five years of service. In a memo to her colleagues, she reflected on her time at the network and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inform, educate, and entertain viewers. Thomas acknowledged that the decision to leave had been on her mind for some time and expressed her appreciation for her colleagues as she prepared to transition her responsibilities.
The shift in personnel at CBS News has been notable, with Anderson Cooper announcing his departure from 60 Minutes and other key figures leaving their positions. Bari Weiss's appointment as editor-in-chief in 2025 marked the beginning of changes at the network, including the recent reassignment of Tony Dokoupil from CBS Mornings to CBS Evening News. The network has been undergoing a transformation to break away from traditional broadcast norms under a new vision.
In conclusion, Shawna Thomas's move to MS NOW as political director marks a significant transition in her career, bringing her back to Washington, D.C., and positioning her to lead coverage of the upcoming midterm elections. Her departure from CBS News is part of a broader trend of changes at the network, reflecting a shift in leadership and programming priorities.