MSNBC unveils substantial program changes, establishes a new Washington bureau, with Joy Reid departing from the organization.
MSNBC is shaking things up with a series of major changes to both its weekday and weekend lineups. Under the guidance of new president Rebecca Kutler, the progressive news network aims to maintain its surge in viewership during the Trump administration while positioning itself for future success.
The most notable change is the departure of Joy Reid and the cancellation of "The ReidOut." In her place, an ensemble program featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over the 7 p.m. slot. Meanwhile, Alex Wagner will no longer host her show but will continue her role as a senior political analyst, with Jen Psaki stepping in to anchor the 9 p.m. slot on Tuesdays through Fridays.
Rachel Maddow will return to hosting her show one night a week after the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term in April. Until then, Maddow will continue to host nightly. Daytime show expansions are also in the works, with Ana Cabrera's show expanding to two hours, Chris Jansing moving to noon to 2 p.m., and Katy Tur's show filling the 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. slot.
Changes to the weekend lineup include Jonathan Capehart and Ayman Mohyeldin co-hosting mornings and evenings, respectively. Ali Velshi's weekend show will expand to three hours, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Notably, "José Díaz-Balart Reports" and "The Katie Phang Show" are being canceled, with Díaz-Balart continuing as a weekend anchor for NBC Nightly News and Phang becoming a legal correspondent.
These changes reflect a broader strategy to reposition MSNBC under new leadership. As the network is being spun out of NBC and into a new company called SpinCo, which includes other cable networks like CNBC and USA, it allows MSNBC to focus on its brand identity as a liberal alternative to Fox News while adapting to industry changes. Additionally, the changes aim to consolidate production in New York and Washington, D.C., and to enhance the network's lineup with new talent and formats.
The business decision to cancel "The ReidOut" and replace Joy Reid with an ensemble program is part of MSNBC's media strategy under new president Rebecca Kutler. Alex Wagner, despite leaving her show, will still contribute to MSNBC as a senior political analyst, while Jen Psaki will anchor the 9 p.m. slot on Tuesdays through Fridays.
