Ali Velshi — formerly with cable news network Al Jazeera America, which shuttered earlier this year — has joined MSNBC starting Wednesday (Oct. 19).

Before joining Al Jazeera America as host of Real Money With Ali Velshi, Velshi had been with CNN as an anchor and chief business correspondent.

In a note to staff, MSNBC President Phil Griffin did not say in what role Velchi was joining the network. “Ali’s sharp economic analysis will be a valuable asset to MSNBC as we dig deeper into every angle of the news and build on our ratings momentum in all dayparts,” Griffin said. “He will join our strong bench of talented journalists and report to Janelle Rodriguez.”

According to an MSNBC source, the network is still working out Velshi’s role. He won't have an immediate timeslot, but could join the network’s rotating host of anchors, or serve as a reporter, an analyst, or in a variety of roles. 

As expected, Al Jazeera America said it has renewed its carriage agreement with DirecTV, including the upcoming launch of Al Jazeera America HD.

Terms of the renewal were not disclosed.

“We’re pleased to extend our partnership with DirecTV,” said Al Jazeera America CEO Al Anstey in a statement. “Al Jazeera America is committed to its mission of delivering in-depth, unbiased and trusted journalism of the highest quality. I look forward to continuing to work together to grow our audience and deliver more compelling news and remarkable stories that inform, educate and inspire audiences across America.”

AJAM will continue to broadcast on DirecTV channel 347.

The renewal deal comes on the heels of a settlement of DirecTV’s year-old lawsuit against the channel. Terms of that settlement also were not disclosed.