MSNBC Expanding ‘The Daily Rundown’ to 2 Hours Hosted by José Díaz-Balart (Exclusive)

The morning show formerly hosted by Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie will be anchored from Miami starting November

The MSNBC show left behind by Chuck Todd now has a host in the form of José Díaz-Balart, who will anchor an expanded “Daily Rundown” from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., individuals with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.

Also read:  MSNBC’s President Phil Griffin Defends ‘Strong Brand’ Amid Ratings Woes

The Miami-based Díaz-Balart, who debuted on MSNBC at 10 a.m. in July and also anchors an evening newscast on Telemundo, will anchor the morning show that under Todd was based in D.C. and focused on politics.

Also read:  Chuck Todd Replacing David Gregory on ‘Meet the Press’

But the nation’s capitol will still be front and center, as Jose will frequently toss from Miami to MSNBC’s D.C. bureau during the program to MSNBC talent like Peter Alexander, Kasie Hunt, Chris Jansing, Andrea Mitchell, Kelly O’Donnell, Luke Russert, Kristin Welker, and Pete Williams. We’re hearing in some cases, Díaz-Balart could throw to one of these personalities to interview politicians on-set in D.C.

Hosting at 10 a.m. since July, Díaz-Balart has averaged 237,000 viewers and 53,000 24-54 demographic viewers.

Also read:  ‘Rachel Maddow Show’ Names Cory Gnazzo as Executive Producer

In a memo obtained by TheWrap, MSNBC President Phil Griffin told staff about the new show:

“On Monday, November 17, msnbc will debut “The Daily Rundown With Jose Diaz-Balart,” a two-hour show (9am – 11am) that combines the outstanding live, original and breaking news reporting of “Jose Diaz-Balart” with the Washington-powered, agenda-setting strength of “The Daily Rundown.”

When it debuted almost five years ago, “The Daily Rundown” quickly became critical viewing for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the debates and decisions driving the national conversation. I’m very proud of the show and our two original co-hosts, Savannah Guthrie and Chuck Todd.

Jose Diaz-Balart joined the msnbc family in July and is already off to a great start. He’s introduced new voices and a fresh perspective to our network. Thanks to his deep experience as an anchor he has the ability and flexibility to deliver dynamic coverage of breaking news events – as they develop.

The new show will be based in Miami, but will continue to rely on the unparalleled journalism and booking power of our Washington Bureau and the contributions of Peter Alexander, Kasie Hunt, Chris Jansing, Andrea Mitchell, Kelly O’Donnell, Luke Russert, Kristin Welker, Pete Williams and so many others. I’m also pleased to announce that Brooke Brower will now become Senior Political Editor for msnbc.

“The Daily Rundown With Jose Diaz-Balart” as a two hour block is an appealing proposition for both advertisers and viewers – who demand up-to-the-minute, rolling coverage of the news events that are shaping the day. I’m looking forward to an up-tempo, informative and interactive show that sets a commanding tone for the day ahead.”

This is the first programming change made by MSNBC since February, when Ronan Farrow debuted at 1 p.m. and Joy Reid debuted at 2 p.m. In a recent interview about the network’s dipping ratings, Griffin alluded to the need for his network to “evolve” outside of day-to-day Washington, D.C. politics and look further outward into the country to analyze important issues.

Comments