MS NOW has confirmed that Peter Alexander's new weekday programme will launch on 10 August, formalising his move from NBC News earlier this year. The debut is part of a wider effort by MS NOW to build out its own news operation following its split from Comcast, and reflects the network's push to establish recognisable, Washington-focused talent under its new corporate structure.

State of Play with Peter Alexander will air weekdays at 11am ET from Washington, with Sandi Cohen as executive producer, and Alexander will also serve as the network's chief national reporter and breaking news anchor. He left NBC News in March after 22 years, having covered the White House and co-hosted Today on Saturdays. MS NOW's parent company, Versant, also owns CNBC, the Golf Channel and USA Sports, and Alexander will contribute to sports and lifestyle content across the group; Antonia Hylton, who has anchored the 11am slot on an interim basis, is set to get her own show in due course.