Rebecca Kutler has officially stepped up as president of MSNBC, succeeding Rashida Jones, who resigned earlier this month. Her appointment, announced on February 12, 2025, followed closely by the controversial cancellation of Joy Reid's evening show, has set the stage for significant changes within the network.
Kutler, 45, was initially serving as interim president, and was quickly recognized for her leadership abilities by Mark Lazurus, the head of the Comcast spinoff company. Lazurus noted, "in the short time Rebecca was the interim president, it became clear to me she has the big-picture strategic view and the right leadership skills to...ensure MSNBC delivers on its brand promise." Under her watch, the network has already seen some stabilization of its ratings, which had dropped significantly post-election, thanks to increased appearances from star anchor Rachel Maddow during Trump's first 100 days back.
Yet, just ten days after being named president, Kutler made headlines by canceling Reid's show, The ReidOut, which aired at 7 PM, as part of her broader reevaluation of programming strategy at MSNBC. Reports indicate this change was part of lineup shuffling projected to reshape the network's direction. Two hushed sources told The New York Times the decision was based on extensive data analysis, aimed at improving ratings and program content. This planning follows Reid being celebrated for her vocal progressive stance, which now faces scrutiny along with her show.
Kutler's tenure as MSNBC's president marks the transition from Jones' leadership, who was at the helm since 2021. She joined the network as senior vice president in 2022 after accumulating over twelve years at CNN, rising from executive producer to senior vice president of programming. Her past roles imparted experience and knowledge of audience expectations and content engagement, solidifying her oversight of non-linear content at MSNBC.
On February 23, 2025, Kutler held a tense meeting with Reid's staff, who expressed their frustration at hearing about the show’s cancellation through media reports rather than the leadership. Staff members directed their ire at Kutler, asking for clarity on how such sweeping changes would affect MSNBC's future. Kutler acknowledged their concerns by stating, "I think it's important we as leaders are honest about...the challenges ahead. Our jobs are hard on normal days, and these are not normal times."
During this meeting, she confirmed to the staff of Reid’s show they would be terminated, though she assured them they would receive compensation through April 2025. Some clearly emotional staff members queried the motivations behind this abrupt cancellation, with hints of suspicion around external influences, such as Donald Trump's political machinations affecting decision-making processes. Kutler, dismissing such concerns, reinforced the programming strategy as solely analytical and not subject to external pressures, asserting it was data-driven solely for improving audience engagement.
The cancellations didn't stop at Reid’s show. MSNBC also announced the axing of other programs including those hosted by Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin. Mohyeldin's show was scheduled to conclude on April 20. Such drastic measures signal not just Kutler's commitment to rejuvenate MSNBC's ratings but also confirm the turbulent waters the cable network now navigates.
Reflecting on her new role, Kutler stated to the network’s staff, "Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of learning how all of you do what you do so well...MSNBC is now one of the most engaged brands in all of television...We ended 2024 as number one at cable news on both YouTube and TikTok." The understandings seem to embody dual aims: reinforcing MSNBC’s brand identity and repositioning its programming during industry changes.
Joy Reid has not yet made any public comment about her show’s cancellation, leaving unanswered questions around the future of her platform and political commentary at MSNBC. The next phase of programming under Kutler’s leadership is likely to attract intense scrutiny, particularly as it defines the network's new identity within the rapidly changing media environment.
With the future of MSNBC hanging in the balance, Rebecca Kutler’s leadership will be pivotal as she attempts to shepherd MSNBC through possibly its most challenging chapter yet.