Thomas Roberts named host of MSNBC show

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts will be getting used to early hours as the new host of the network's "Way Too Early" program.

The cable network on Friday gave Roberts the job as anchor of the newscast, which airs from 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. Eastern just before "Morning Joe." Roberts will also be a contributor to "Morning Joe."

The irreverent "Way Too Early" was a springboard for former host Willie Geist, who is now a regular on "Morning Joe" and hosts an hour of NBC's "Today" show.

Roberts will give up his current 11 a.m. anchoring slot, a post that hasn't been filled yet.

Roberts is one of a handful of openly gay news anchors. According to Wikipedia, he first publically acknowledged he is gay in 2006, although he had been out to friends and co-workers since at least 1999. He has been in a relationship with Patrick D. Abner since 2000. The couple was married on September 29, 2012 after marriage became legal in New York state.

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The Gayly – January 5, 2014 @ 12pm