Kasie Hunt departs NBC News, ‘Way Too Early’ on MSNBC

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NBC News Capitol Hill correspondent and anchor of MSNBC’sWay Too EarlyKasie Hunt is leaving the network, she announced to viewers Friday, July 16, 2021.

Later that day, reports emerged that she’s headed to CNN.

Seen as a rising star at the network, Hunt was tapped to anchor the Sunday evening show “Kasie DC” in 2017.

In September 2020, the network canceled “Kasie DC” and moved her to “Way Too Early.”

“Way Too Early” originally aired from 2009 to 2016 when the network rebranded the hour was “Morning Joe First Look,” expanding the existing “First Look” show and updating its name to match “Morning Joe,” which immediately followed the show.

The “Way Too Early” name was revived when Hunt was assigned to anchor in 2020.

After taking over “Way Too Early,” Hunt brought a smart blend of wit and fun to the show, including bolstering her social media following and interactions.

Hunt indicated that she’ll have more on her next move in the “coming weeks” during her on air farewell from Washington, D.C. July 16.

Hunt also appeared on “Morning Joe” later in the day, who bid her farewell as well, and filled in for Chuck Todd on “MTP Daily” as she frequently did.

She did not mention who will take over the show, though it’s likely the network use a rotating cast of anchors until making a final decision.

She also briefly mentioned “Morning Joe” co-anchor Mika Brzezinski’s “know your value” mantra.

Although it’s not clear if Hunt departed NBC due to disagreement over her salary, Brzezinski is a vocal proponent that men and woman should be paid equally. She notably lobbied for a raise to put her on par with her her now husband Joe Scarborough after learning she was being paid significantly less than him — to the point where she was experiencing financial challenges.