Observed Signal · Mar 13, 2026 · Hiring · Source: Adweek · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Rashida Jones Takes Charge at Piers Morgan's Uncensored
Rashida Jones, the former head of MSNBC, has been appointed CEO of Piers Morgan’s digital-first outlet Uncensored as the site expands. Uncensored has also received new funding from Raine Ventures, Antenna Group and Reuben Brothers. Jones, who left the Versant news outlet in January 2025, praised the platform and said she will work to scale it into a “diverse and profitable network.” The ticker also reports other media industry items: a MacFarlane departure from CBS News; CNN deleting a criticized social post about a New York incident and partnering with Variety for Oscars coverage; CNN announcing premiere dates for two original series; CNBC International hiring Joseph Wilkins and Mike Sheen; and RTDNA naming several journalists as First Amendment Award honorees.
Leadership appointment and fresh investor funding affect a publisher's expansion, content strategy and potential ad inventory, but the update is not industry-shifting.
Track VERSANT Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Rashida Jones has been named CEO of Uncensored.
- Uncensored received fresh funding from Raine Ventures, Antenna Group and Reuben Brothers.
- Rashida Jones left the Versant news outlet in January 2025.
- Seth MacFarlane (also referenced as Scott MacFarlane in a tweet) announced a departure from CBS News.
- CNBC International hired Joseph Wilkins as CNBC Pro reporter and Mike Sheen as markets & finance editor.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Piers Morgan's Uncensored Launches Paid Subscription Tier
Uncensored, the media company founded by Piers Morgan in February 2024, is launching its first paid subscription product, according to CEO Rashida Jones. The company aims to convert 2-4% of its 4.6 million YouTube subscribers into paying members at $4.99 per month. Starting October 19, the company will offer four weekly newsletters, one for each vertical: Piers Morgan Uncensored, History Uncensored, The Royals Uncensored, and Football Uncensored. A new website will also launch simultaneously, built on the newsletter platform Beehiiv. The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue beyond advertising and to own its audience directly.
Versant Reportedly Pursuing Vox Podcast Division
The New York Times reports that Versant, described as the parent company of MS NOW and CNBC, is among suitors exploring acquisition of Vox’s podcast division. Talks are said to be in early stages. Vox’s podcast network comprises nearly 40 shows; a purchase would expand Versant’s portfolio in audio and its political/news and sports/genre verticals. The ticker also summarizes media personnel and programming moves: MS NOW and C-SPAN plan coverage of nationwide No Kings protests; Rahel Solomon left CNN Early Start; Scott MacFarlane joined MeidasTouch as chief Washington correspondent and anchor; Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski extended contracts with MS NOW; CNBC reorganized reporter beats under editor in chief David Cho; Matt Brittin was named BBC director general; Alisyn Camerota debuts a new Scripps News series; and Geoff Bennett published a book titled "Black Out Loud."
CNN Names Alex MacCallum Chief Operating Officer
CNN promoted Alex MacCallum to chief operating officer after more than two years back at the network. MacCallum previously served as executive vice president of digital products and services, leading initiatives including the All Access subscription product, the CNN Express FAST channel, and an upcoming weather service. She fills the role vacated by David Leavy and will continue to oversee product and digital revenue/operations as well as non-editorial departments such as group strategy, operations, mission-driven project work, strategic partnerships and business development. The roundup also lists other media hires: Patrick Svitek (from The Washington Post) and Carolina Peguero joined CNN reporting teams; ABC News named Leslie Lopez meteorologist and Jon Schlosberg executive producer of This Week; CBS News hired Joshua Hoyos for streaming oversight; CNBC added Justina Lee in Singapore; Fox News named Captain Butch Wilmore a contributor; MS NOW added John Kirby as a national security analyst.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.