MS NOW is set to significantly alter its weekend evening programming, moving to taped podcast and other content in the post-6 p.m.

ET hours.

This strategic shift, announced by MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler in a memo to employees, is slated to begin on Sunday.

The network points to the success of its content agreement with Crooked Media as a key factor in this decision.

The Crooked Media on MS NOW series, which launched in February, marked the strongest launch for a taped series in three years among total viewers and in four years within the 25-54 demographic.

The program features highlights from popular podcasts such as *Pod Save America*, *Pod Save the World*, *Strict Scrutiny*, and *Lovett or Leave It*.

As part of these changes, *The Weekend: Primetime* will conclude on Saturday.

Co-anchor Antonia Hylton will transition to the 1 p.m.

ET to 4 p.m.

ET weekend hours in the coming months.

Fellow co-anchors Ayman Mohyeldin, Elise Jordan, and Catherine Rampell will remain with the network, contributing reporting across various programs.

In related news, veteran anchor Alex Witt has announced her departure from MS NOW later this summer.

Witt, who joined the predecessor MSNBC in 1999, most recently anchored on weekend afternoons.

Kutler acknowledged Witt's extensive contributions, noting her role as a "trusted, and steady presence" for audiences, covering numerous presidential cycles, international events, and major breaking news, including 9/11 and the Covid pandemic.

Witt has anchored more hours for the network than any other anchor in its history.

Kutler explained the realignment of weekend resources as preparation for a "significant investment" in the network's direct-to-consumer offerings and the development of new programming, content partnerships, and live audience experiences.

MS NOW plans to introduce additional taped hours, programs, and content partnerships throughout the summer, including podcasts from Chris Hayes and Nicolle Wallace.

Despite the shift to taped content, the network confirmed it would maintain staffing during weekend evening hours for breaking news coverage and continue its partnership with Sky News for international simulcasts.

The changes are expected to impact a "small number of roles," though Kutler noted that the network currently has over 40 open positions, with more than a dozen new roles to be posted soon.

This move signals a strategic pivot for MS NOW to leverage the growing popularity of podcast content and expand its digital presence.