MS NOW is making another major programming shakeup, announcing that it will significantly reduce its live weekend programming in favor of taped podcast content as the network prepares for planned layoffs.
The changes, first reported by Deadline, will see the network replace much of its weekend evening lineup after 6 p.m. ET with pre-recorded podcasts and other taped programming. The move also marks the end of The Weekend: Primetime, while longtime anchor Alex Witt is set to depart later this summer after more than 25 years with MSNBC.
The decision comes as the network continues to overhaul its lineup following a series of changes earlier this year. It also raises fresh questions about the state of cable news, as MS NOW appears to be shifting away from live weekend news coverage in favor of lower-cost taped programming.
Live Weekend News Gives Way to Podcasts
According to MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, the changes are part of a broader effort to invest in the network’s direct-to-consumer ambitions.
“As we prepare for a significant investment in our direct-to-consumer offering and continue developing new programming, content partnerships, and live audience experiences, we are realigning our weekend resources to support this growth,” Kutler wrote in a memo to employees.
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The network pointed to its partnership with Crooked Media as evidence that the strategy is working. Crooked Media on MS NOW, which launched earlier this year, features edited segments from podcasts including Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Strict Scrutiny, and Lovett or Leave It.
MS NOW now plans to expand those taped offerings throughout the summer while continuing to air podcasts from hosts including Chris Hayes and Nicolle Wallace.
Although the network says it will continue staffing weekend evenings for major breaking news coverage, the regularly scheduled live programming will largely disappear in favor of prerecorded content.
For a cable news network built around live coverage, the move represents a significant shift in programming philosophy.
Layoffs Planned as Part of Restructuring
The programming overhaul also comes with workforce reductions.
Kutler acknowledged in her memo that the restructuring will impact “a small number of roles.” While the network noted it currently has more than 40 open positions and expects to post additional openings, the announcement confirms that layoffs are part of the restructuring effort.
Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski during Morning Joe on MSNBC – YouTube, New York Post
The exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed.
Whenever a media company begins replacing expensive live programming with taped content while simultaneously eliminating positions, it is often viewed as part of a broader effort to reduce operating costs while reallocating resources elsewhere.
Alex Witt Departs After Nearly Three Decades
One of the biggest casualties of the shakeup is veteran anchor Alex Witt.
Alex Witt – MS NOW
Witt joined MSNBC in 1999 and has become one of the network’s longest-serving personalities. According to Kutler, Witt has anchored more hours on the network than any other host in its history, covering major events.
Her departure removes another familiar face during a period of significant transition for the network.
Another Sign of Cable News’ Changing Economics?
MS NOW is framing the changes as an investment in future growth rather than a retreat.
However, replacing live news programming with taped podcast compilations is notable. Live television requires substantially more personnel and production costs than prerecorded programming, making the decision appear as much financial as editorial.
Nicolle Wallace and Robert De Niro on The Best People podcast – MS Now, YouTube
Whether the strategy ultimately pays off remains to be seen, but the latest overhaul suggests MS NOW believes expanding podcast-based content and direct-to-consumer initiatives offers a better long-term investment than maintaining a full slate of live weekend programming.
For viewers accustomed to turning on live cable news throughout the weekend, the schedule will soon look very different.
How do you feel about these changes to MS NOW? What does it say about the health and future of the network? Sound off and let us know!
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