MSNBC recently announced sweeping changes to its primetime lineup, marking the end of Joy Reid's tenure with the network as part of a significant overhaul aimed at consolidative production operations and increasing audience engagement. The shakeup is set to take effect this April, fueled by the network’s desire to maintain momentum following early viewer interest during the Trump administration.
Joy Reid, whose show 'The ReidOut' has aired since 2020, will sign off for good on Monday night. During the transition, Rachel Maddow, one of the network’s long-standing and most recognized hosts, took the opportunity to express her sadness over Reid’s departure. "Joy Reid’s show, 'The ReidOut,' ended tonight. And Joy is not taking a different job in the network. She is leaving the network altogether and that's very, very, very hard to take," said Maddow during her show. Maddow continued to praise Reid, emphasizing the close bond they shared and her high regard for Reid's professionalism and insights.
MSNBC confirmed the lineup changes just days after former CNN executive Rebecca Kutler was appointed as the network’s new president. Under her direction, the network announced Jen Psaki, formerly the White House press secretary, will take over the prime 9 p.m. slot on weekdays, heading 'Inside with Jen Psaki.' This show is expected to expand its reach following successful viewership during its initial airings. Rachel Maddow will maintain her show but will return to hosting just once a week, altered from previous schedules.
Along with Reid, the network's changes will affect Alex Wagner, who has been demoted to contributor. Wagner, who previously anchored the 9 p.m. hour throughout the week, has enhanced the network's Monday viewership but will not resume her weekday timeslot. Instead, the time will be divided among Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, who will host new co-anchored segments.
Maddow remarked on the ramifications of the staffing transitions, stating, "I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC, and personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door." The sentiment reflects not only personal feelings but also systemic concerns about the direction of the network. Maddow denounced the dismissals of some experienced producers, stating, "They are being invited to reapply for new jobs. That has never happened at this scale... It drops the bottom out of whether or not people feel like this is a good place to work."
The overhaul seems to be not only aimed at maximizing viewership but also at reorienting MSNBC’s strategic objectives amid increasing competition from other outlets like Fox News, which has dominated overall ratings. Kutler’s memo to employees announced forthcoming production consolidation and hinted at adding over 100 new job postings, demonstrating investment intentions even amid layoffs.
The unfortunate news of Reid’s departure came following struggles with viewership ratings, with internal evaluations noting underperformance relative to both Fox and CNN audience numbers. Kutler, addressing staff, confirmed, "The ReidOut" was being canceled, denying allegations of targeting Reid’s program due to political pressures from outside influences. She responded to inquiries asserting, "No, it did not,” acknowledging the evaluations of programming profitability as the driving factor behind the lineup changes.
The momentum surrounding the restructuring aligns with political landscapes and changing viewer preferences. MSNBC's goal with these strategic shifts is apparent as the network seeks to optimize appeal to broader segments of its audience, with analytic insights driving programming decisions. Discussions around potential future programming enhancements, including more diverse voices at the network, are expected amid the shift.
While Joy Reid exits with numerous accolades, including significant cultural commentary and coverage addressing systemic social issues, her departure marks the end of an era for MSNBC's nighttime programming. Reid reflected proudly on her accomplishments during her time at the network, stating, "We supported and defended real history, the 1619 Project, diversity, equity and inclusion, and access to books for our children and students. And we did it all with a smile and sense of humor." Fans and colleagues alike expressed their dismay at her leaving, highlighting how integrated her essence has been within the network's identity.
With uncertain fates for some of the network's most familiar faces, this transitional phase of MSNBC continues to be closely observed, as adjustments pave the way for new collaboration across various time slots and programs. The significant changes introduce new possibilities as the network rallies to refine its voice and mission during shifting dynamics, hoping to revitalize engagement amid competitive pressures.