CNBC Taps Morgan Brennan to Revive ‘Morning Call’

There’s a new day for “Morning Call” at CNBC.

Once known as a show that ran in mid-mornings and was anchored by personalities ranging from Ted David, Liz Claman and Dylan Ratigan to Trish Regan, a new edition of the program will air starting at 5 a.m., whetting investor appetites for the long-running “Squawk Box.” Morgan Brennan, who has been with CNBC since 2013 and covers sectors including defense and aerospace, will anchor.

The new show will launch March 23.

“Pre‑market hours are when the news of the day starts to take shape,” said David Cho, CNBC’s editor in chief, in a prepared statement. “With ‘Morning Call,’ we’re doubling down on our commitment to deliver unmatched business journalism and give viewers a decisive edge before the U.S. markets open. Morgan Brennan’s expertise and global perspective make her the ideal guide to the headlines setting the tone for the trading day.”

The move puts a U.S. based show back on the CNBC schedule in the earliest hours of the day. CNBC in the past ran programming led by U.S. anchors ahead of “Squawk Box,” but in recent years has filled its programming grid with concepts focused on overseas markets, including “Worldwide Exchange” and a European version of “Squawk.”

Brennan was most recently co-anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime,” “Squawk Alley,” and the 10 a.m. hour of “Squawk on the Street.” She is also host of “Manifest Space,” a podcast that features conversations with the moguls, industry leaders, and startups in today’s satellite, space, and defense industries.

The new “Morning Call” will feature a panel of business leaders and newsmakers and break down overnight moves in financial markets. CNBC’s roster of anchors and reporters will also contribute reporting and analysis. Richard Carolan will serve as executive producer.