Full Breakdown
Alex Witt Announces Departure from MS NOW After Nearly Three Decades
6/28/2026, 6:22:28 AM
Core Event: Veteran Anchor to Exit Weekend Programming
Alex Witt, 65, will leave MS NOW later this summer after a 30-year tenure. The anchor of the weekend program “Alex Witt Reports” announced her exit in a staff memo, aligning with the network’s plan to replace live weekend broadcasts with taped video podcasts.
Background & Context: Three Decades of Reporting and Upcoming Schedule Shift
Witt joined the network in 1999, when it was still MSNBC, and anchored across multiple time slots. She launched the weekend show “Alex Witt Reports” in 2011 and reported from Ground Zero after 9/11, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Ukraine conflict. Beginning June 28, MS NOW will add taped podcasts featuring Nicolle Wallace, Chris Hayes and Crooked Media, marking a broader move away from live weekend news.
Official Statements & Responses
Network president Rebecca Kutler’s memo described Witt as a trusted and steady presence for viewers and thanked her for three decades of service. MS NOW cited Crooked Media’s success and said the shift to taped video podcasts is a strategic response to audience habits.
Criticism & Opposition
No public criticism appears in the available sources.
On-the-Ground Reports: Colleagues’ Tributes
Ali Velshi praised Witt as an institution and mentor, noting she logged more hours on air than any other network anchor. Ali Vitali called her an icon and consummate professional.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources agree on Witt’s exit timing and the podcast shift; no contradictory details are reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She made me feel like I belonged LONG before I’d earned it. Nearly 30 years, more hours on air than anyone in network history. Thank you with all my heart.” — Ali Velshi, Journalist
- “@AlexWitt is an icon. A consummate pro who has seen and done it all,” — Ali Vitali, Political Reporter
- “trusted and steady presence” — Rebecca Kutler, President, MS NOW
Why It Matters / Impact
Witt’s departure ends a continuous on-air presence that has shaped MS NOW’s weekend identity. The shift to pre-recorded podcasts may reduce real-time coverage of breaking events, altering the network’s weekend news ecosystem as a strategic response to evolving audience habits.
What’s Next
Starting June 28, MS NOW will launch the new podcast lineup with Wallace, Hayes and Crooked Media. Witt’s future plans remain undisclosed, but her legacy will serve as a benchmark for long-standing broadcast journalists at the network.
