MS NOW's longest-tenured anchor Alex Witt to exit network amid weekend programming overhaul

MS NOW’s longest-tenured anchor Alex Witt will exit the network later this summer as part of a weekend programming shakeup that includes "a small number" of layoffs and the cancelation of "The Weekend: Primetime," Fox News Digital has confirmed. 

MS NOW President Rebecca Kulter informed staffers of a series of changes in a Friday Morning memo, including replacing "The Weekend: Primetime" with taped programming. The network has been airing highlights from Crooked Media podcasts, including "Pod Save America," "Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams" and "Pod Save the World," as part of a content agreement with the company founded by former Obama administration staffers. 

MS NOW is expected to add additional taped hours and other similar formats with to-be-announced programs and content partnerships in addition to "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace" and "Why Is This Happening with Chris Hayes." 

While the network is pivoting away from live programming after 6 p.m. ET on weekends and will instead be on tape, MS NOW will continue to be staffed during these hours to deliver coverage of major breaking news when necessary. 

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The memo also announced that Witt, who joined the network in 1999 when it was known as MSNBC, will exit later this year. She has anchored a variety of offerings and reported from the field during everything from election cycles to overseas conflicts. Along the way, Witt has anchored more hours on MS NOW than any other anchor on the network.

"Alex Witt has shared with us her plans to conclude her tenure with the company later this year, following an extraordinary career. A beloved longtime member of our MS NOW family, Alex has been a continued, trusted, and steady presence for our audiences," Kulter told staffers in the memo that has been obtained by Fox News Digital. 

"Alex has guided our viewers through many of the most significant stories that have defined a generation," Kulter continued. "We thank Alex for her endless contributions to the network and will have more opportunities to celebrate her in the coming months."

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"The Weekend: Primetime" will air its final broadcast on Saturday. Ayman Mohyeldin, Elise Jordan, and Catherine Rampell will all remain with the network and continue to contribute across MS NOW platforms. 

MS NOW reporter Antonia Hylton will anchor the 1-4 p.m. ET timeslot on weekends in the coming months. She will also be fill-in anchor for the 11 a.m. hour until Peter Alexander begins later this summer. 

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The changes come with a headcount reduction of "less than approximately 2% of roles across the entire organization," and impacted employees are being encouraged to explore other roles MS NOW that are currently open. 

"As part of the changes being announced today, a small number of roles across the organization are being impacted. All affected employees have already been notified," Kulter wrote.