Fox Business to shuffle daytime schedule

Fox Business Network announced a new business day programming slate beginning Feb. 24 that will include the debut of Maria Bartiromo as anchor of her new two-hour program, “Opening Bell with Maria Bartiromo,” which will air for two hours beginning at 9 a.m.

Bartiromo left CNBC late last year after 20 years at the business news channel and joined Fox Business earlier this year.

Starting Feb. 24, “Varney & Co.,” anchored by Stuart Varney, will now air from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It currently runs in the 9:20 a.m. to 11 a.m. slot. “Markets Now” will continue from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. until a forthcoming show on alternative investing anchored by Deirdre Bolton launches later in the first quarter. “Markets Now” had been a longer show.

“Our new schedule will enhance our ability to deliver timely key business news, and we are thrilled to debut fresh programming with an all-star team,” said executive vice president Kevin Magee in a statement.

“Money with Melissa Francis” moves from 5 p.m. to 2 p.m., while “The Willis Report” hosted by Gerri Willis, will shift to 5 p.m. beginning Feb. 10. In addition, “Cavuto,” anchored by managing editor Neil Cavuto, will now run at 6 p.m. with an encore presentation at 8 p.m.

Liz Claman will continue hosting “Countdown to the Closing Bell” at 3 p.m. and will co-anchor “After the Bell” with David Asman at 4 p.m.

“Lou Dobbs Tonight” remains at 7 p.m.

Read the release here.