Catherine Rampell, a respected columnist for The Washington Post and a familiar face on
CNN and various other news platforms, is set to join MSNBC as the co-host of its revamped evening “Weekend” roundtable program. This move marks yet another significant addition to the network under the leadership of Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s current president, who has been actively reshaping the network in recent months.
Rampell’s new role is part of MSNBC’s ongoing effort to bolster its programming lineup,
particularly in its evening hours, as the network positions itself to adapt to the changing media landscape. She will be joining Ayman Moyehldin, with a third co-host still to be announced, to co-host the weekend roundtable program. The current trio of Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, who have helmed the show for some time, will be transitioning to a new role at 7 p.m. in MSNBC’s evening lineup. Meanwhile, a new morning version of the show will be taken over by Jonathan Capehart, Jackie Alemany, and Eugene Daniels, marking a strategic reshuffling of talent across various timeslots.
Rampell brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Known for her expertise in both politics and economics, she has earned recognition for her deep dives into the intricacies of government, the economy, and policy. Her reporting often delves into complex issues such as the inner workings of government agencies, including a notable tour of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and high-profile interviews with influential figures like Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and various regional Federal Reserve presidents. Before joining MSNBC, Rampell had established herself as an influential commentator on CNN, regularly appearing to provide analysis on political and economic matters. Additionally, she served as a special correspondent for PBS NewsHour, where she focused on economic and business issues, further cementing her credibility as an expert in her field.
Rampell’s hiring is part of a broader series of strategic personnel moves orchestrated by Rebecca Kutler, who has been overhauling MSNBC’s operations since taking over as network president. Kutler’s vision has been focused on modernizing the network and positioning it for future success, particularly as MSNBC grapples with navigating a media environment where conservative politics are wielding significant influence. At the same time, the network is preparing for its separation from NBC News, as MSNBC and other cable networks within the NBCUniversal umbrella are set to be spun off into a new publicly traded entity. This move marks the end of a long-standing association between MSNBC and NBC News and signals the network’s efforts to carve out a more distinct identity in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Kutler’s leadership has not been without its challenges. MSNBC, much like its competitor CNN, has seen a decline in viewership following the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This drop in ratings has prompted both networks to reassess and overhaul their programming strategies. Kutler’s response has been to reconfigure the network’s evening lineup and bring in fresh talent, a key part of which has been Rampell’s hire. Kutler has also made high-profile changes to MSNBC’s lineup, including replacing Joy Reid in the 7 p.m. hour with Jen Psaki, and Alex Wagner’s 9 p.m. slot has also seen changes. These shifts are part of Kutler’s broader strategy to revitalize the network and restore its appeal to viewers in a time of heightened political polarization and shifting media consumption habits.
One of the key components of Kutler’s strategy for MSNBC has been a renewed focus on panel-based shows, a format that has been gaining traction across the industry. This approach is seen as a way for networks to diversify their programming and provide more varied perspectives on current events. Panel shows, by their nature, do not rely on a single personality, allowing networks to showcase a wide array of correspondents and commentators. If any of these panelists gain significant popularity, they could be moved into their own programs, helping to build a deeper talent pool for the network. This model has proven successful at MSNBC’s competitors as well, including at Fox News Channel, where the roundtable program “The Five” regularly tops the ratings as one of the most-watched hours of the day. Additionally, CNN has seen some success with its 10 p.m. program “NewsNight,” anchored by Abby Phillip, which also relies on a panel format.
The panel show format offers several advantages for news networks. Not only does it provide a platform for a diverse range of voices and viewpoints, but it also allows for a dynamic and engaging way to discuss the news of the day. As networks like MSNBC face increased competition from both traditional cable news outlets and digital platforms, panel-based programming allows them to remain flexible and responsive to audience needs, drawing in viewers who may be seeking something more interactive and multifaceted than a traditional anchor-led broadcast.
In summary, Catherine Rampell’s move to MSNBC represents a significant shift in the network’s programming strategy, and her expertise in both economics and politics will bring valuable depth to the network’s coverage. Her hiring is just the latest in a series of changes spearheaded by Rebecca Kutler, who is working to reshape MSNBC for the future. As the network adapts to a more polarized political environment and changing media consumption patterns, panel shows like the one Rampell will co-host are becoming a key part of the network’s plan to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. By showcasing a variety of voices and perspectives, these types of shows provide an opportunity for MSNBC to engage with its audience in new and exciting ways, while continuing to provide in-depth analysis of the political and economic issues that matter most to viewers.
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