MSNBC's evening line-up may soon look quite different from what die-hard viewers have come to expect. The NBCUniversal-backed cable network is expected to move the trio of Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele to its 7 p.m. weekday slot from Tuesday through Friday. This move leads to direct consequences for Joy Reid, the current 7 p.m. anchor, who is anticipated to host her final show this week.
Additionally, Alex Wagner, who has been anchoring weeknights at 9 p.m., is expected to transition to a contributor role. Wagner, known for her reporting during the Trump administration, was anticipated to return to her regular slot after certain changes but is likely to remain offnight with no definitive presence. Instead, Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, is expected to take over one of the time slots.
Further speculation surrounds MSNBC's interest in hiring Eugene Daniels from Politico and law professor Melissa Murray, known for her expertise in reproductive rights, to fill unspecified roles.
This significant reorganization follows the appointment of Rebecca Kutler as the new president of MSNBC, who took on the role amid mounting challenges, including crippling subscriber losses expected to exceed 10% by the end of 2025. Kutler, who has previously created success with new programs, is determined to energize the network's programming to maintain its progressive audience base.
Since the resurgence of Donald Trump, viewership at MSNBC has waned as audiences flock to alternatives. Fox News continues to lead as the top cable news outlet, surpassing its competitors, CNN and MSNBC, by substantial margins. Kutler is defining her presidency with plans to establish independent newsgathering geared to bring MSNBC back to the forefront of viewer interest.
After substantial erosion in audience across channels, Kutler is expected to finalize changes impacting not just the prime segments but potentially every hour of programming, from daytime anchors to weekend shows.
Cost-cutting measures are also affecting popular hosts like Reid and Stephanie Ruhle, who may need to accept pay cuts to retain their positions. Reid is believed to be earning $3 million annually for her show “The ReidOut,” which has been characterized by both praise and controversy. Ruhle reportedly draws $2 million per year, making both hosts targets for negotiations to reduce payroll expenses.
MSNBC's management has yet to confirm or publicly discuss these changes, choosing instead to navigate the uncertain waters of reshaped leadership and network identity without fanfare.
The situation at MSNBC encapsulates broader trends affecting the cable news industry. Just recently, the network announced staggering ratings declines, with more than 60% drop since the recent election victories of Trump, complicative viewers' loyalties and drawing concern from those within the network.
With ratings dipping, the company faces potential layoffs, leading to anxiety among staff about job security as Comcast plans to spin off its cable networks.
Opening up a new strategic path with fresh talent and revised programming, Kutler's vision signals more than mere superficial changes, aiming to instill energy and engagement to reverse the tide of viewership loss.
At the culmination of these shifts, MSNBC’s future rests on the resilience of its shows and personalities to adapt to audience preferences and the changing media environment, as it competes with entrenched rivals known for their strongviewership and proven appeal.