MS NOW anchor Alex Witt to exit as network reduces live weekend programming

[Zorro]

Veteran MS NOW anchor Alex Witt is leaving the news network, which is moving away from live evening programming on weekends.

The new weekend programming strategy announced Friday is a cost-saving measure that will give parent company Versant more resources for a new direct-to-consumer streaming offering that makes MS NOW available to consumers without a pay-TV subscription. The company is also looking to expand its live event business.

According to a memo from MS NOW President Rebecca Kutler, “The Weekend: Primetime,” a live discussion program launched last year, will have its final airing Saturday.

One of the program’s co-hosts, Antonia Hylton, will take over Witt’s midday shifts later this year. Hylton’s co-hosts Ayman Mohyeldin, Catherine Rampell and Elise Jordan will remain with MS NOW and continue to appear on other programs.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2026-06-26/ms-now-weekend-anchor-alex-witt-to-exit-as-network-reduces-live-weekend-programming

[yellow dahlia]

1. The weekend evening Primetime slot was better when it was just Ayman.

Ayman is an important journalist. I hope he is given another strong role.

Antonia Hylton is good. She is better than Alex Witt.

Catherine Rampell was better as an analyst when she did punditry around her expertise, such as financial news. She was not good as a co-host - her personality got in the way. She was defensive. She doubled down when she felt she had to be right.

I would be happy if I never had to listen to Alyse Jordan again.

Here's a thought. I think the Weeknight Show could benefit from Ayman's presence. He is knowledgeable and serious. Symone Sanders Townsend has to go. She is a disruption. She overpowers the show. She has to ramble on at length before she asks a question. I often yell at the tv - shut up Symone!

Luke Russert is a new addition at the 7pm Weeknight show. He isn't particularly good. But at least he doesn't humiliate the show and the network, like Symone. IMHO, she makes the network look bad.

If anyone asked my opinion - I would have suggested Antonia Hylton be added to the 7 pm Weeknight show. Maybe they could find another place for Luke Russert. Could he carry the weekend afternoons? Perhaps. I think he would be better at reporting news than being engaged in a round table format.

But no one is asking my opinion.

[Polly Hennessey]

2. I was listening to the show on the car radio: Symone Sanders

sounded like an overactive, hyper teenager. Elise Jordon is unwatchable and hard to listen to. Agree about Ayman. He is excellent.