Antonia Hylton Takes the Helm of MS NOW's Weekend Programming

Introducing Antonia Hylton to MS NOW's Weekend Schedule

As the media landscape continues to evolve, MS NOW has announced a major shift in its weekend programming. Antonia Hylton will take over the news-focused weekend afternoons starting September 12, launching her new show titled The Assignment. The program will air from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Legacy and Transition

This move represents a significant shift from the previous weekend anchor, Alex Witt, who has held the position for many years. Witt's final formal weekend telecast is scheduled to take place this upcoming weekend, marking the end of an era on the network's weekend schedule.

Executive Producers and Show Vision

As part of her new role, Hylton will be supported by Joy Fowlin as executive producer. The show is expected to serve as a destination for current political and cultural headlines, offering thoughtful conversations and fresh perspectives from leading lawmakers, newsmakers, and changemakers. According to Greg Kordick, senior vice president of programming for the Versant Media-backed network, Hylton's program will help audiences not only stay informed but also better understand why these stories matter, creating a space for meaningful dialogue around them.

"Each weekend, Hylton will help audiences go beyond the headlines, better understand why these stories matter and create space for meaningful dialogue around them," said Kordick in an internal memo.

The Programming Shift

This new show follows a strategic decision by MS NOW to replace live weekend programming with more taped content. This includes the addition of podcasts from Crooked Media that will air on Saturday and Sunday nights. Previously, Hylton had been featured in a roundtable segment on an evening version of "The Weekend," but that iteration has been discontinued under the new programming plans.

Antonia Hylton's Background

Before joining MS NOW in April 2025, Hylton was already a highly accomplished journalist and podcast producer. She has received numerous accolades including:

• A Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Radio/Podcast Coverage
• A Peabody Award for Podcast/Radio
• A Pulitzer Prize for Audio Reporting finalist for her work on the podcast, "Southlake"
• An Edward R. Murrow Award for her work on the podcast "Grapevine"
• Named one of Forbes' “30 Under 30” in 2020

In 2024, Hylton published MADNESS: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum, which further solidified her reputation for in-depth investigative reporting and narrative journalism.

Looking Ahead

With the debut of The Assignment, MS NOW aims to maintain its position as a leading source for news and cultural commentary. The show's emphasis on thoughtful dialogue and fresh perspectives aligns with the network's ongoing commitment to quality journalism in an increasingly fast-paced digital world.

A New Chapter for Weekend Programming

As Antonia Hylton assumes her new role, viewers can expect a fresh take on weekend news programming that not only informs but also invites deeper reflection. Her transition from the previous weekend host Alex Witt signifies a pivotal moment in MS NOW's evolution and a commitment to diverse voices and perspectives in journalism.

With the debut of The Assignment on September 12, we will see how Hylton's unique voice shapes the future of weekend news programming on MS NOW. Her experience in both traditional and digital media positions her perfectly for this role, and her background speaks to a deep understanding of storytelling that will undoubtedly enhance the show's appeal.