MSNBC’s Musical Chairs: Joy Reid’s Departure Sparks Controversy
Joy Reid’s Departure and MSNBC’s Shakeup
This week, the revolving door of cable news networks continued to spin as MSNBC announced the departure of longtime anchor Joy Reid. Her show, "The Reid Out," was canceled as part of a broader shakeup at the network.
The move, announced by MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, reportedly met with resistance among the network’s top ranks. Rachel Maddow, one of MSNBC’s most prominent stars, expressed her dismay during her Monday night broadcast.
"Of all the jobs I’ve had in all the years I’ve been alive, there is no colleague for whom I have had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid," Maddow said to her audience. "I love everything about her. I have so much more to learn from her. 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."
Maddow also raised concerns about potential racial bias in the network’s decision to remove both of its non-white primetime hosts, including Alex Wagner.
Maddow’s Critique and MSNBC’s Response
"That feels worse than bad, no matter who replaces them," she said. "That feels indefensible. And I do not defend it."
Maddow further criticized the network’s treatment of behind-the-scenes staff, including production crew and writers who were reportedly being asked to reapply for their jobs and facing potential layoffs. She called it "not the right way to treat people" and "inefficient."
MSNBC and Maddow have not yet provided official comment on the matter.
Maddow’s Influence and the Changing Landscape of News Anchors
Maddow’s strong reaction highlights her influential position at MSNBC, where her eponymous show remains highly rated despite declining viewership. Her public criticism of the network’s decisions suggests a unique level of power at a time when many veteran anchors are facing uncertainty.
At MSNBC’s sister network NBC, Lester Holt announced his plans to step down from "NBC Nightly News" by early summer. CNN has also seen high-profile departures, including Alisyn Camerota, Chris Wallace, and Jim Acosta since the 2024 presidential election.
Reaction from the Political Right
Some conservative commentators reacted with glee to Joy Reid’s departure. Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly mocked Reid’s past criticism of white women’s tears, asking, "Who’s crying now, Joy?" She also labeled Reid as "the absolute worst person on television."
Don Lemon, who recently moved his show to YouTube after being ousted from CNN, defended Reid against Kelly’s attacks. "The worst person? No, Megyn Kelly! The worst person on television was fired from NBC and the Today show a few years ago, and that’s Megyn Kelly," he said.
The Future of MSNBC’s Primetime Lineup
In the coming weeks, Reid’s 7 p.m. EST hour will be filled by a rotating anchor lineup. The weekday time slot will eventually be anchored by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, who currently host "The Weekend" on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sanders-Townsend is a former advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, while Steele is a former chair of the Republican National Committee.
In a staff memo, Kutler thanked Reid for "her countless contributions over the years." Reid expressed her own gratitude on Bluesky, saying she is "so very proud" of her team at "The Reid Out."
The changing landscape of cable news continues as networks face declining viewership and adapt to the evolving media environment. Joy Reid’s departure from MSNBC is a significant event that has sparked controversy and raises questions about the future of primetime news programming.
