MSNBC reportedly cancels Joy Reid show in reshuffle at liberal network
MSNBC has decided to cancel Joy Reid’s long-running show, The ReidOut, as part of a significant programming revamp under the leadership of the network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler. According to sources who spoke to The New York Times, this decision is a strategic move aimed at reshaping MSNBC’s primetime lineup.
Joy Reid’s Exit: A Shift in MSNBC’s Strategy
Reid’s final episode is scheduled for next week, marking the end of her tenure as the 7 p.m. host. MSNBC plans to replace her slot with a new program featuring a trio of hosts: Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. Currently, this team co-hosts The Weekend Show, and their transition to a primetime slot is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the network’s evening programming.
Who Are the New MSNBC Hosts?
- Symone Sanders-Townsend – A Democratic strategist and former senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Alicia Menendez – A seasoned television commentator known for her sharp political insights.
- Michael Steele – The former lieutenant governor of Maryland and ex-chairman of the Republican National Committee (2009–2011).
The decision to introduce this diverse panel reflects MSNBC’s ongoing effort to balance political perspectives and provide in-depth analysis on key issues.
A Leadership Change That Set the Stage
The cancellation of The ReidOut comes just a month after Rashida Jones stepped down as MSNBC’s president, ending a nearly four-year tenure. Kutler, who previously served as the network’s senior vice president for content strategy, took over the role and has since initiated key programming changes.
Following Jones’s departure, NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus addressed employees, emphasizing the need for transformation: “We have a lot to do.” This statement underscored the network’s intent to revamp its structure and content to align with evolving viewer demands.
NBC News Faces Continued Shake-Ups
MSNBC’s restructuring follows a wave of changes within NBC News. Earlier this year, veteran journalist Chuck Todd, known for hosting Meet the Press, announced his departure from NBC News. His exit coincided with the network’s controversial hiring of former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel in March 2024, a decision that faced internal backlash.
The controversy surrounding McDaniel’s hiring led to intense criticism from several MSNBC anchors, including Joy Reid and Rachel Maddow. Eventually, NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde reversed the decision, acknowledging the widespread disapproval among network employees. Reid expressed her support for the move during a conversation with Maddow, stating, “I’m grateful to Cesar for actually making the right decision. I think it was the right decision.”
What This Means for MSNBC’s Future
With Reid’s departure and a new lineup taking over her slot, MSNBC appears to be steering toward a refreshed approach in its primetime programming. By introducing a three-person panel with diverse political backgrounds, the network aims to enhance its analysis and broaden audience engagement.
The evolving landscape at MSNBC signals a shift in its strategic direction, focusing on a mix of perspectives to appeal to a wider viewership. Whether this change will boost ratings and audience reception remains to be seen, but it marks a clear effort to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment.
Stay tuned for further updates as MSNBC continues to reshape its primetime schedule and network strategy.
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