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MS NOW is entering the subscription streaming market with a new membership service that distinguishes itself by emphasizing direct interaction between viewers and on-air talent. Backed by Versant Media, the platform launches this week with pricing set at $7.99 monthly or $79.99 annually, positioning it as a competitor to existing news subscription offerings from Fox News and NBC News.
The service provides subscribers daily opportunities to engage with prominent MS NOW personalities through live question-and-answer sessions held at noon and 6 p.m. Eastern time. Monday sessions feature Rachel Maddow, while Tuesday programming includes a “Morning Joe Family Meeting” with that show’s hosts. Additional conversations rotate among other popular anchors including Stephanie Ruhle, Ali Velshi, Jen Psaki, and Rev. Al Sharpton, with evening slots dedicated to reporters and correspondents from the network’s newsroom.
Beyond news content, MS NOW’s membership emphasizes wellness and community building. The platform includes programming focused on mindfulness, relationships, healthcare, and parenting, featuring partnerships with services like Calm and contributions from experts such as meditation advocate Dan Harris and licensed therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab. According to Marcus Mabry, senior vice president of content strategy, the service transforms “a one-way news experience into a two-way conversation,” capitalizing on research showing viewers value engagement with like-minded news consumers.
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