MS NOW is significantly altering its weekend programming strategy, a move that includes the departure of veteran anchor Alex Witt after nearly three decades with the network. The changes, announced by MS NOW chief Rebecca Kutler, involve an increased emphasis on podcasts, taped content, and external collaborations, alongside a restructuring that will result in a small number of layoffs.
Witt, one of the network's longest-serving anchors, plans to leave later this year. Kutler described Witt as a "beloved longtime member of our MS NOW family" and noted that she anchored more hours on the network than any other anchor in its history. Witt guided viewers through major news events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Hurricane Katrina, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Kutler expressed gratitude for Witt's "endless contributions" and indicated that opportunities to celebrate her career would be provided in the coming months.
Witt's weekend afternoon slot, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., will be taken over by Antonia Hylton later this summer. Joy Fowlin, executive producer of "The Weekend: Primetime," will assume the same role for Hylton's new program. The broadcast of "The Weekend: Primetime" is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
The network's weekend lineup changes are part of a broader strategy to incorporate more taped programming, including existing MS NOW podcasts such as "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace" and "Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes." Kutler also indicated plans to announce additional content partnerships in the near future, building on the existing relationship with Crooked Media, a progressive media company founded by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor.
The recent launch of "Crooked on MS NOW" reportedly delivered the strongest debut for one of the network’s taped series among total viewers in three years and its strongest launch in the key demographic in more than four years. According to Kutler, approximately half of that show's Saturday-night audience consisted of new viewers to MS NOW.
Despite the increased focus on taped content, MS NOW intends to continue airing around 20 hours of live programming each weekend. The breaking news operation will also be expanded to ensure the network can interrupt prerecorded programming for significant developing stories. This strategic shift aims to enhance the network's direct-to-consumer business and expand its content partnerships.