NBC News To Launch Evening Newsletter In Revamp Of Long-Running First Read

NBC News is launching a rebranded evening newsletter today, replacing its long-running First Read with a format that integrates broadcast and digital reporting on the campaign trail and in Washington, D.C.

The network’s team of political reporters will all contribute to a single, centralized product, with a wider focus on news and analysis from across the country.

The newsletter, From The Politics Desk, will appear each evening and will feature three sections: News of the day, analysis from the author and “must read” links throughout the day. It will feature analysis from a rotating group of correspondents and anchors, with Kristen Welker, Steve Kornacki, Chuck Todd, Jon Allen and Mark Murray serving as regular authors. Contributors will include Carol Lee, Sahil Kapur and others.

First Read was launched in 2003 as a daily memo from NBC News’ political unit analyzing the morning’s political news and giving a look at what was coming up in the day ahead.

In the final edition on Friday, Murray and other contributors wrote, “Dating back to 2003, our newsletter/blog/dispatch/note has been around for more than 20 years, produced some daily 5,000 editions (!!!), covered four presidencies, six presidential elections, five midterm cycles — as well as war, the Great Recession, Supreme Court fights, impeachments, a pandemic, the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, and so much more.” Murray was one of the original First Read authors the first year.

The network notes that the revamped newsletter reflects the integration of broadcast and digital platforms — something that has been ongoing across just about every news division.