MS NOW weekend anchor Alex Witt to exit network

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, June 27, 2026

Alex Witt is leaving MS NOW amid the network’s decision to reduce live weekend broadcasts and shift focus toward direct-to-consumer streaming and live event programming. This restructuring aims to cut costs and prioritize growth on streaming platforms while maintaining some live coverage and minimizing job losses.

Alex Witt, a longtime anchor for MS NOW’s weekend programming, is departing the network as part of a broader shift away from live weekend broadcasts. The changes, announced Friday by MS NOW president Rebecca Kutler, reflect a strategic pivot aimed at reallocating resources toward Versant’s emerging direct-to-consumer streaming service and expanding its live event offerings.

MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC until a rebranding in November, has struggled with weekend ratings despite some audience gains in 2026. While MS NOW remains a distant second to Fox News in viewership, it continues to maintain a lead over CNN. The weekend schedule has increasingly incorporated pre-recorded podcasts, such as the popular “Pod Save America” from Crooked Media, signifying a move away from live, opinion-free newscasts.

“Weekend: Primetime,” a live discussion show launched last year, will air its final episode on Saturday, according to Kutler’s memo. Co-host Antonia Hylton, who appeared on the program, will assume Witt’s midday weekday anchor role later this year. Hylton’s co-hosts, Ayman Mohyeldin, Catherine Rampell, and Elise Jordan, will remain with MS NOW in other capacities. Peter Alexander, former NBC News White House correspondent, is slated to eventually take over the weekday 11 a.m. slot.

MS NOW’s parent company, Versant, was spun off from Comcast and other Comcast-owned cable networks in January. Executives emphasize that the weekend restructuring is intended to reduce costs and strengthen the company’s focus on nonsubscription streaming platforms, which are seen as critical for future growth. Kutler noted that while changes are occurring, job losses are expected to be minimal, and staff affected by the shifts are encouraged to apply for over 40 available positions within the organization.

Despite cutting back live weekend coverage, MS NOW will maintain 20 hours of live programming each weekend and remain prepared to cover breaking news events. Witt has been with the network since 1999 and was regarded as one of the last anchors delivering straight news without editorial commentary on the weekend lineup. Kutler praised Witt as “a beloved longtime member of our MS NOW family” and acknowledged his consistent presence for viewers.

Witt will continue anchoring through the summer while the network finalizes its programming changes. The move marks a notable transition in MS NOW’s weekend approach as the channel adapts to the evolving media landscape and shifting consumer habits.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.