MSNBC’s decision to cancel Joy Reid’s “The ReidOut” has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, leaving staff blindsided and sparking accusations of racism.
Top Takeaways
- MSNBC cancels Joy Reid’s “The ReidOut” amid declining ratings and strategic realignment
- Staff learned of cancellation through media leaks, causing tension in subsequent virtual meeting
- Reid to be replaced by panel including Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez
- Decision part of larger MSNBC shakeup, including over 100 new job openings across the network
- Former host Keith Olbermann criticizes move as “racist,” while Trump applauds the decision
MSNBC Axes “The ReidOut” in Major Programming Shift
In a move that has sent ripples through the media industry, MSNBC has announced the cancellation of Joy Reid’s primetime show “The ReidOut.” The decision comes as part of a broader strategic realignment at the network, which has been grappling with declining ratings. MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler confirmed the cancellation during a tense virtual meeting with the show’s staff, who had already learned of their fate through media leaks.
The cancellation of “The ReidOut” marks the end of Reid’s tenure as a prominent voice in MSNBC’s primetime lineup. Reid, who has been with the network since 2016, has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and has built a reputation for her outspoken and oftentimes vitriolic liberal commentary. However, her viewership has seen a significant decline, with a reported 53% drop in primetime ratings following the 2020 election.
Staff Blindsided, New Opportunities Promised
The manner in which the cancellation was communicated has drawn criticism from staff members. One employee described it as a “terrible, terrible way to learn about our fate,” highlighting the shock and disappointment felt by the team. During the virtual meeting, Kutler acknowledged the poor communication and confirmed that while current staff would be terminated, they would have the opportunity to apply for over 100 new positions to be posted across the network.
“So to make this explicitly clear, we are being terminated currently with the option to apply within the company, right?” an employee asked during the meeting, underscoring the uncertainty faced by the staff.
New Panel Format to Replace Reid
As part of the programming shakeup, MSNBC plans to replace Reid’s solo show with a panel format. The new lineup is expected to feature Symone Sanders Townsend, a former spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside Michael Steele and Alicia Menendez. According to the network the move is an effort to bring fresh perspectives and potentially broaden its audience base.
The cancellation of Reid’s show is just one part of a larger restructuring at MSNBC. Other changes include the return of Rachel Maddow to a full-time schedule, pushing out Alex Wagner from her 9 p.m. anchor position. Additionally, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is expected to anchor a primetime hour during the week, further reshaping the network’s lineup.
Controversy and Criticism
The decision to cancel “The ReidOut” has not been without controversy. Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann criticized the move, calling it “racist” and suggesting it was designed to exclude diverse voices.
On the other side of the political spectrum, President Donald Trump expressed approval of the cancellation, criticizing Reid’s talent and ratings. The contrasting reactions highlight the polarized nature of the media landscape and the challenges MSNBC faces in repositioning itself.
Trump just DESTROYED NBC, MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, and Joy Reid pic.twitter.com/nx9JxLOgrM
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 24, 2025
As MSNBC moves forward with its strategic realignment, the cancellation of “The ReidOut” serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the media industry. With new faces set to take over the primetime slot and a renewed focus on programming strategy, the network aims to reinvigorate its content and engage viewers in an increasingly competitive market.
