MS NOW Revamps Weekend Lineup, Bids Farewell to Longtime Anchor
MS NOW is set to revamp its weekend programming, shifting its focus more towards podcasts, recorded content, and partnerships. As part of this significant change, longtime anchor Alex Witt will be leaving the station after nearly 30 years.
In a memo to staff, MS NOW chief Rebecca Cutler explained that the station is reevaluating its weekend strategy to prioritize its direct-to-consumer business, broaden content partnerships, and reshape its overall programming. She mentioned there will be “a small number” of job cuts as part of the transition.
Witt’s exit marks a notable change, as she is the station’s longest-serving anchor. According to reports, she will depart later this year. The news was initially highlighted by Variety.
A representative from MS NOW confirmed this development to the media when contacted.
In her message to staff, Cutler noted, “After almost 30 years, Alex Witt has informed us that she plans to conclude her time with the company later this year.” She praised Witt as a “beloved member of our MS NOW family,” recognizing her as the anchor with the longest tenure in the network’s history.
Witt has been there to report on many significant events in the U.S., including the September 11 attacks, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, Hurricane Katrina, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“We appreciate Alex’s invaluable contributions and will have many more chances to honor her in the upcoming months,” Cutler added.
Antonia Hilton will take over Witt’s weekend afternoon slot later this summer.
Hylton is set to become the weekend anchor from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while Joy Faulin, currently the executive producer for “The Weekend: Primetime,” will assume the same role for the new program.
As part of the overhaul, “The Weekend: Primetime” is being canceled, with its last episode scheduled for Saturday.
Hosts Ayman Mohieldin, Katherine Rampel, and Elise Jordan will remain with MS NOW, continuing to contribute to various programs.
The lineup changes are part of a broader strategy to emphasize recorded shows, incorporating existing MS NOW podcasts like “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” and “Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes.”
Cutler mentioned the anticipation of announcing more external content partnerships soon, building upon an existing collaboration with Crooked Media.
The launch of “Crooked on MS NOW” has reportedly been the network’s most successful debut for a pre-recorded series in three years, attracting a good number of new viewers.
Even with the increased focus on recorded content, Cutler assured staff that MS NOW will maintain around 20 hours of live programming each weekend.
She further noted that the network is expanding its breaking news operations, enabling it to interrupt scheduled programming for significant news updates.
This transition comes as MS NOW strengthens its ties with Crooked Media, a progressive organization started by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vieter, which gained popularity through its political podcast.
Efforts include expanding video offerings and live events to connect with broader left-leaning audiences. Efforts were made to reach out to both MS NOW and Crooked Media for further comments.
