The world of cable news continues to see major shifts, with MSNBC making headlines after canceling The ReidOut and parting ways with longtime anchor Joy Reid.
The decision, announced on Monday by network president Rebecca Kutler, is part of a larger reshuffling at the network, but it has sparked debate and criticism from both within and outside MSNBC.
Rachel Maddow’s Strong Reaction
One of the most vocal critics of Reid’s departure has been MSNBC’s primetime anchor Rachel Maddow.
On her Monday night broadcast, Maddow expressed deep disappointment, saying, “In all of the jobs I have had in all of the years I have been alive, there is no colleague for whom I have had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid. I love everything about her.”
Maddow went further, stating that she did not support MSNBC’s decision. “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. It is not my call, and I understand that, but that’s what I think.”
Adding to her concerns, Maddow pointed out that MSNBC was also canceling Alex Wagner’s show, meaning the network’s two nonwhite primetime hosts were being removed. While Wagner will stay on as a senior political analyst, Maddow questioned the optics of these moves, calling them “unnerving” and “indefensible.”
Implications for MSNBC Staff
Beyond the on-air talent, Maddow also raised concerns about the network’s treatment of behind-the-scenes staff. She highlighted the challenges faced by production crew members and writers, who are now being forced to reapply for their jobs, with some at risk of losing their positions entirely. Maddow described this approach as “not the right way to treat people” and “inefficient,” emphasizing the broader impact on the network’s employees.
Cable News Industry in Transition
Reid’s exit is just one of many changes happening in the world of television news. MSNBC’s sister network, NBC, is also experiencing shifts, with veteran anchor Lester Holt announcing plans to step down from NBC Nightly News by early summer. Over at CNN, notable figures such as Alisyn Camerota, Chris Wallace, and Jim Acosta have all exited in the wake of the 2024 presidential election.
The media landscape is evolving, with networks making strategic adjustments to programming and personnel. As part of MSNBC’s transition, Reid’s 7 p.m. EST slot will now be filled by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. Sanders-Townsend, who previously served as an advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, Steele, a former Republican National Committee chairman, and Menendez, a former HuffPost Live host, will bring a new dynamic to the network. Menendez also makes history as the first Latina to host a primetime MSNBC show.
Reid Responds to Her Departure
In a staff memo, Kutler expressed gratitude for Reid’s contributions over the years. Reid also took to social media to acknowledge the messages of support she received, posting on Bluesky: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement. I am so very proud of my team at The ReidOut.”
Polarized Reactions
As expected, reactions to Reid’s departure have been divided along political lines. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly took to social media to celebrate the news, posting, “Remember when Joy Reid laughingly mocked ‘white women tears’ as pathetic and offensive to her? Who’s crying now, Joy? Good riddance to the absolute worst person on television, and shame on NBC for letting it go on this long.”
However, not everyone shared Kelly’s sentiment. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon fired back at her remarks, saying, “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. That’s the worst person who’s not on television anymore—it’s you.”
Kelly’s departure from NBC followed controversy over her comments regarding the use of blackface in Halloween costumes, leading to the cancellation of her show, Megyn Kelly Today, in 2018.
What’s Next for Joy Reid?
While Reid’s next move remains uncertain, she has built a strong presence in the political commentary space. With her experience and following, many expect her to continue her career in media, whether through another network, digital platforms, or independent journalism ventures. Given the rise of streaming services and online news outlets, it wouldn’t be surprising if she takes her voice to a new, more flexible format.
The Changing Face of Cable News
The recent upheavals at MSNBC, CNN, and NBC highlight a broader shift in television journalism. As networks adjust to declining ratings, changing viewer habits, and evolving political landscapes, more changes are likely on the horizon. Reid’s departure marks the end of an era for The ReidOut, but it may also signal new opportunities for her in an ever-changing media industry.
As MSNBC moves forward with its restructured lineup, viewers will be watching closely to see how these changes shape the network’s direction and impact its audience engagement.
