Shawna Thomas, the former executive producer of CBS Mornings, has landed at MS NOW, where she will serve as the network’s new political director, based in Washington, D.C.
The move, announced Wednesday morning, will make Thomas responsible for MS NOW’s political unit and for direct coverage of campaigns and elections.
“Shawna is a respected journalist who has built a reputation for sharp editorial judgment, strong storytelling, and leading teams through fast-moving breaking news cycles,” said MS NOW’s D.C. bureau chief, Sudeep Reddy, in a memo to staffers.
In addition to her off-air duties, Reddy said Thomas will also make on-air appearances across the network’s platforms, “bringing deep analysis and up-to-the-minute news as we approach the midterm elections and beyond.”
In joining MS NOW, Thomas said, “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 spent five years at CBS News, helming its flagship morning broadcast, working with an on-air crew that included Gayle King, Anthony Mason, Nate Burleson, Vladimir Duthiers, and Tony Dokoupil.
She announced her departure in early March, saying in a note to her now former colleagues, “Frankly, I’m tired y’all.”
Thomas added, “I’ve had the privilege of helping to make 10 (now 12!) hours of television each week that goes out free to people everywhere. I’ve taken that responsibility of trying to inform, educate, entertain, and make people care about the world around them very seriously, and I know the people here do, too.”
Prior to joining CBS News, Thomas had worked at Quibi, Vice News, and NBC News.
Read Reddy’s memo to staffers below:
Team,
I am excited to share that award-winning journalist, newsroom leader, and veteran executive producer Shawna Thomas will be joining MS NOW as Political Director, beginning on June 8.
In her new role, Shawna will lead MS NOW’s political unit, oversee coverage of political campaigns and the evolving political landscape, and collaborate with our future elections director in monitoring races. She will be responsible for shaping key storylines, managing a high-powered team of political journalists, and driving original political reporting. She will also appear on air and across all MS NOW platforms, bringing deep analysis and up-to-the-minute news as we approach the midterm elections and beyond.
Shawna is a respected journalist who has built a reputation for sharp editorial judgment, strong storytelling, and leading teams through fast-moving breaking news cycles. Shawna’s work has been recognized with five Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, two Scripps Howard Awards, and more.
