MSNBC Cuts Joy Reid’s Show: Shockwaves in Media Landscape

MSNBC has formally declared that “The ReidOut,” Joy Reid’s evening program, is being terminated as part of a significant network restructuring. Insiders familiar with the situation claim that Reid will host her final show this week, marking the conclusion of her tenure in the 7 p.m. EST time slot.

Reid’s previous show is set to be taken over by a new daytime program starring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. This trio currently hosts The Weekend, and they will now extend their engaging dynamic into weekday primetime hours. Notably, Alicia Menendez’s new role represents a significant milestone as she becomes the first Latina woman to anchor a primetime news program on MSNBC.

The changes at MSNBC don’t end with the shakeup. Under the leadership of new network president Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC is considering a wide variety of programming adjustments that will impact both weekdays and weekends, as well as prime time slots. Significantly, Jen Psaki, host of Inside with Jen Psaki, is anticipated to get more on-air time, which mirrors the show’s position as MSNBC’s most popular weekend program.

Alex Wagner, who used to host the prime-time segment, will carry on with her role as a correspondent, though she won’t be appearing regularly in an evening program anymore.

In February 2025, the show “The ReidOut” experienced a decrease in viewership, averaging approximately 973,000 viewers, which is a considerable 28% drop from the previous year’s 1.3 million viewers. This decline has stirred a variety of responses within the media industry.

It’s been noted that conservative commentators were swift to approve of the show’s cancellation. Former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai jested about the predicament, implying that Reid’s low viewership made the inevitable end of the program. Additionally, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her thoughts on social media, stating that the network’s decision was a belated recognition of the show’s waning impact.

Conversely, many liberal commentators voiced their criticism towards MSNBC’s decision, with a majority focusing on racial issues.

Keith Olbermann, who was previously with MSNBC, contends that the network’s issues stem not just from Reid’s show but also from poor leadership decisions regarding programming. On the other hand, Wajahat Ali identified a concerning trend, suggesting that solo female hosts, particularly those of color and blunt in their approach, often face increased scrutiny and challenges in prominent media positions.

In simpler terms, Danielle Moodie, who hosts the “The New Abnormal” podcast, voiced her dismay when she commented, “Whenever MSNBC undergoes changes, it’s always the Black female-led shows that get affected first.

Dean Obeidallah, a radio broadcaster and author, similarly voiced his disapproval of the decision, alluding to previous debates surrounding MSNBC’s other programs and expressing doubts about their dedication to upholding diversity.

MSNBC is said to be considering the addition of fresh talent such as Eugene Daniels from Politico and Melissa Murray, a professor at NYU Law School, as part of their aim to broaden the variety of content they offer. The network aims to grow its Washington bureau and fill key leadership roles in order to enhance the quality of their news reporting and content production.

Wrapping up The ReidOut, it’s unclear what Joy Reid will do next. Even amidst the turmoil surrounding her program, fans emphasize her efforts to boost various viewpoints and offer a stage for perspectives that are often overlooked.

It’s yet unclear how MSNBC’s ongoing reorganization will affect its viewership and standing among the public.

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2025-02-24 20:55