MS NOW Will Expand Video Podcasts on Weekends, Alex Witt Plans Exit

Key Points:

• MS NOW is shifting its weekend evening schedule starting June 28 from live, hosted hours to largely taped video podcasts, including expanded content from Crooked Media and shows hosted by Nicolle Wallace and Chris Hayes, aiming to attract younger audiences and reduce costs.
• The network will cancel “The Weekend: Primetime” after June 27, with Antonia Hylton anchoring weekend afternoons and veteran anchor Alex Witt departing later this year, marking the loss of one of MS NOW’s longest-serving weekend anchors.
• MS NOW will maintain live staffing for breaking news during weekend evenings and continue simulcasting international coverage via Sky News, with executives expecting live weekend programming hours comparable to CNN and Fox News.
• The move reflects broader industry trends where news outlets increasingly partner with independent creators and integrate podcasts to offer deeper context and emotional connection, appealing especially to younger viewers who favor digital influencers over traditional TV anchors.
• MS NOW plans to launch a new direct-to-consumer streaming service later this year to foster community among viewers, while the weekend schedule changes will lead to minimal staffing reductions and new job openings within the organization.