Liberal News Show Canceled At MSNBC As Network Looks To Gain Viewers

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According to a report, MSNBC is canceling Joy Reid’s show as part of a sweeping reorganization under new network president Rebecca Kutler. The 7 p.m. program, hosted by the outspoken Trump critic Reid, 56, is set to be replaced by a panel-style show featuring co-hosts Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend, as reported by insiders to The New York Times.

Townsend is a Democratic strategist who previously served as counsel to former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the White House race in November to Donald Trump. Menendez is a television commentator, while Steele, a former lieutenant governor of Maryland, served as the chair of the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011. This cancellation, involving one of the network’s most prominent hosts, comes roughly a month after MSNBC’s former president, Rashida Jones, ended her nearly four-year tenure. Rebecca Kutler, who had been the senior vice-president for content strategy at MSNBC, succeeded Jones.

Per the Times, the final episode of Joy Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” is set to air later this week, bringing to a close a five-year run as a fixture in MSNBC’s lineup. The media outlet did not provide any comment on the matter. This development marks the first significant shake-up initiated by the network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, who assumed leadership earlier this month.

Joy Reid is an influential American cable news host, political commentator, and journalist known for her incisive analysis and engaging presentation style. Raised in Virginia, she developed an early passion for political discourse that propelled her into a career in journalism. Reid earned recognition for her fearless commentary and in-depth political insights, quickly establishing herself as a trusted voice in American media.

For several years, she hosted a widely watched show on MSNBC, which became known for its robust discussions, diverse perspectives, and uncompromising stance on social justice issues. Her program provided a platform for debates on key political topics and served as a forum for progressive ideas, resonating with audiences nationwide. An outspoken advocate for equality and fairness, Reid has been a prominent critic of conservative policies and a staunch defender of progressive values.

In an effort to revitalize MSNBC’s ratings, Kutler is implementing significant changes at the network, which has long trailed behind Fox News in ratings.

The cancellation of one of MSNBC’s top shows follows the recent departure of the network’s former president, Rashida Jones, who stepped down after nearly four years. Rebecca Kutler, previously senior vice president for content strategy, replaced her. After Jones left, NBCUniversal Media Group Chairman Mark Lazarus told employees, “We have a lot to do,” per The Guardian.

In January, Chuck Todd, a well-known anchor and former host of “Meet the Press,” announced he was leaving NBC News. This came after his public opposition to NBC’s decision to hire Ronna McDaniel, ex-chair of the RNC, in March 2024. NBCUniversal News Group Chair Cesar Conde later addressed concerns from across the network, leading to McDaniel’s removal.