MSNBC leaves out Joy Reid's evening program as part of significant broadcast modifications
MSNBC is shaking things up with some major programming changes under the guidance of newly appointed president, Rebecca Kutler. Let's break down the juicy updates:
Time for a Switch-Up
Bid adieu to "The ReidOut," which has been airing at 7 p.m. ET since 2020. The reason? A trio of hosts from MSNBC's "The Weekend" – Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez – will be taking charge, providing a new spin to this hour.
Do these changes pay off? Absolutely! "The Weekend" witnessed a 35% growth in viewership during its Saturday and Sunday morning slots at 8 a.m. ET.
Before "The ReidOut," Joy Reid held the MSNBC weekend talk show "AM Joy" from 2016 to 2020. But worry not, progressive politics remain at the forefront with Donald Trump back in office. MSNBC's viewership has surged 77% during primetime hours and 34% in total day viewers since his inauguration.
More Changes Ahead for MSNBC Shows
Inside scoop: MSNBC is gearing up for additional programming adjustments. A network spokesperson refuses to comment, but a source spoils the beans.
Alex Wagner, temporarily replacing Rachel Maddow for "Alex Wagner Tonight" (Tuesday to Friday at 9 p.m. ET), will no longer stick to primetime. Ditto for Jen Psaki, who might just own one of the weekday slots with her show "Inside with Jen Psaki" – currently MSNBC's most popular weekend program. Psaki, who served as White House press secretary under Joe Biden, could even fill Wagner's place at 9 p.m. ET after Maddow's occasional appearances.
New Talents on Board
Expect MSNBC's robust roster to grow with Eugene Daniels, Politico's White House correspondent, and Melissa Murray, New York University law professor, joining forces.
"It's a Tough Time, Baby!"
In the words of Kutler, this transition will be both exciting and challenging. "Our jobs are hard on a normal day," she says. "These are not normal times."
Conquering MSNBC amidst a corporate spinoff from Comcast isn't a walk in the park. But Lazarus, CEO of the company which now owns MSNBC, thinks Kutler's got the big-picture strategic view and leadership skills needed to propel MSNBC to greatness despite the ongoing industry changes.
- In the realm of media business, MSNBC's newly appointed president, Rebecca Kutler, is overseeing a revamp of the network's programming, which includes a shift in the timeslot of "The ReidOut" on Saturdays.
- The new hosts taking over "The ReidOut" on Saturdays, Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, have previously showcased their talents on MSNBC's "The Weekend."
- Amidst these changes, veteran journalist Joy Reid will continue to deliver progressive politics content to MSNBC viewers, as she shifts from "AM Joy" to a new role within the network in 2022.
