How To Use The News: Why MS NOW Wants Members, Not Just Viewers

MS NOW does not just want people to watch the news. It wants viewers to pay for access, conversation and community. The cable-news network’s new membership includes live television, exclusive programming, twice-daily Q&As with journalists, a moderated online community and planned in-person member lounges. But MS NOW is not the first cable-news brand to make this move. Fox Nation launched its membership-driven streaming service in 2018. CNN and NBC News have also introduced paid digital products. So why are traditional media companies turning viewers into members? In this episode of Think Like a Producer, television news veteran Jamie Maglietta breaks down: • The business data behind MS NOW’s membership strategy • How the offering compares with Fox Nation • Why having an audience is different from owning the audience relationship • How experts, consultants and creators can apply this strategy • The angles community, media, event and customer-experience experts can own Use the news. Find your angle. Produce your authority. Subscribe for a new Think Like a Producer news breakdown Monday through Thursday. Would you pay for greater access to journalists you trust? Tell me in the comments. SOURCES: The Hollywood Reporter: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ms-now-member-lounge-subscription-membership-push-1236694921/ Versant Q2 2026 results: https://investors.versantmedia.com/news-releases/news-release-details/versant-media-reports-second-quarter-2026-operating-and Versant Q1 2026 filing: https://investors.versantmedia.com/static-files/ef730a68-0dce-4f27-886c-dbdd8b9100f8 MS NOW membership features: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nbcnews.msnbc.mobile Fox Nation launch announcement: https://press.foxnews.com/2018/10/fox-news-to-launch-fox-nation-on-november-27th Digiday on Fox Nation’s membership strategy: https://digiday.com/media/how-fox-news-is-taking-a-membership-approach-to-its-new-subscription-service/ #MSNOW #MediaIndustry #ThinkLikeAProducer