Stephanie Ruhle has tested a live-audience edition of “Money Power Politics” as MS NOW seeks more direct interaction between its journalists and viewers. The Versant-backed news outlet plans to expand studio programmes, in-person events and digital conversations, aiming to compete for audiences increasingly drawn to independent online commentators and podcasts.

Ruhle’s mother was among the audience members questioning her on healthcare, political polarisation and artificial intelligence, while Rahm Emanuel appeared as a guest. MS NOW’s Membership subscription will include weekly live sessions with Ruhle and Ali Velshi, alongside events involving Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki and “Morning Joe” presenters; Ruhle would prefer daily audience shows, though she considers weekly broadcasts more realistic. Other news organisations, including Fox News and NBC, have also experimented with live audiences, but sustaining the format may prove difficult.