Peter Alexander Launches “State of Play” on MS NOW

ET from Washington, D.C. Alexander will also serve as the network’s chief national reporter and breaking-news anchor. The program is positioned as the final piece of the network’s June schedule overhaul, filling the hour previously held by interim anchor Antonia Hylton.

The Wrap

MS NOW, now owned by Versant after splitting from Comcast, has been expanding its independent news operation. Over the past year the network hired dozens of reporters from outlets such as NBC News, CNN, The Washington Post, Politico and Bloomberg, and has been adding original journalism to its D.C. bureau. The launch follows a broader revamp that introduced Stephanie Ruhle’s “Money, Power, Politics,” Alicia Menendez’s “On the Line,” and Katy Tur’s “The Moment.” Network executives cite recent ratings gains from the June lineup changes as a catalyst for the new show.

The Wrap

• Peter Alexander – former NBC News chief White House correspondent and co-anchor of “Saturday Today,” now MS NOW’s chief national reporter and anchor of “State of Play.”

The Wrap

• Greg Kordick – senior vice president of programming for MS NOW, author of the internal memo announcing the show.

Deadline Hollywood

• Sandi Cohen – veteran MS NOW producer serving as executive producer of “State of Play.”

Adweek

• “The launch of ‘State of Play’ strengthens our programming at a pivotal moment in the country and further positions MS NOW at the center of the 2028 election cycle,” — Greg Kordick, the network’s senior vice president of programming

Variety Magazine

• “Built around Peter’s trusted reporting, deep experience covering Washington, and unmatched relationships across government and beyond, the program aims to help audiences better understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.” — Greg Kordick, the network’s senior vice president of programming

Deadline Hollywood