A former “CBS Mornings” executive producer who was widely viewed as Gayle King’s right hand has landed at MS NOW as the cable outlet ramps up its political coverage ahead of the midterms.
The Versant-owned network confirmed that Shawna Thomas will join as head of its political unit, overseeing campaign and election coverage while also appearing on air.
Thomas previously declined an offer from CBS News to remain as a contributor after stepping down from her role running “CBS Mornings.”
She will direct the network’s coverage as voters weigh their choices ahead of the November elections.
“It will be an honor to work with everyone at MS NOW to help inform an audience that craves context and meaning, along with the political machinations of the moment,” Thomas said in a statement.
“It’s no secret that I’ve missed Washington, DC, and this is a homecoming of sorts.”
Thomas joins MS NOW just weeks after exiting her role as top producer for “CBS Mornings” — a post she held since 2021.
Her departure from CBS came amid an overhaul of the network overseen by Bari Weiss, the Free Press co-founder who was installed as editor-in-chief of the Paramount Skydance-owned news division by billionaire CEO David Ellison.
Thomas left CBS just days after “CBS Mornings” co-host King re-signed with the network. Before leaving, Thomas pushed back on suggestions from top brass who were looking for ways to boost sagging ratings on the flagship morning show, The Post reported last month.
“She’s been a roadblock to making changes,” a source with knowledge of the situation previously told The Post, adding that King had “empowered” Thomas to set an “agenda” that translated to viewership losses.
Under Thomas, “CBS Mornings,” which was once a major revenue-producer for the network, has seen its viewership fall to below 1.8 million per day in recent months.
Some critics pointed to Thomas’s programming choices that may have alienated large swathes of viewers, including segments on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as an interview with a drag queen.
Thomas brings lengthy experience in political and broadcast journalism, including more than a decade at NBC News. She rose there from news assistant to senior producer and senior digital editor at “Meet the Press,” and did stints as a White House and Capitol Hill producer helping steer election coverage.
She later served as Washington bureau chief for Vice News, overseeing politics and policy reporting for “Vice News Tonight” on HBO.
