*MSNBC, known for its distinctive blend of political commentary and progressive viewpoints, is poised for significant changes in its evening programming lineup. As the network evolves under new leadership, long-time viewers may find themselves adjusting to a fresh format that aims to respond to both audience preferences and the shifting landscape of cable news. Bottom line: 7 p.m. Eastern anchor, Joy Reid is out.
In a noteworthy move, Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele are set to take over the 7 p.m. weekday slot, effective Tuesday through Friday, according to informed sources. This trio will amalgamate their skills to energize the early evening segment, while on Mondays, they will lead a two-hour block from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. These changes signal the exit of Joy Reid, who currently anchors the 7 p.m. slot and is expected to host her final show this week, Variety is reporting.
Reid’s departure marks a pivotal moment for the network, particularly as her show, “The ReidOut,” has seen a steep decline in viewership over recent months, with an alarming 28% drop from the previous year. Despite outperforming CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront,” Reid struggled to maintain her audience, especially among the coveted 25 to 54 demographic. As Reid steps away, the network is realigning its strategic focus to attract viewers during prime time.
Alex Wagner, another familiar face on MSNBC, is expected to shift from her regular 9 p.m. hosting duties to a contributor role. Wagner, who has spent significant time covering the early days of the new Trump presidency, will likely not return to her weeknight slot, as discussions suggest Jen Psaki might step into at least one of the hour-long blocks. Psaki, formerly the White House press secretary, has been a consistent presence on MSNBC since March 2023 and is favored by network executives.
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The programming adjustments come in the wake of Rebecca Kutler‘s appointment as MSNBC’s new president. Known for her talent development and innovative programming concepts during her tenure at CNN, Kutler inherits a network facing unique challenges, including the impact of the Trump administration and the impending separation of MSNBC from NBC News to form a new publicly traded company. Kutler remarked on the difficulty of the task ahead, stating, “Our jobs are hard on a normal day, and these are not normal times.”
As viewer habits shift, MSNBC is projected to experience a concerning 10.5% decline in subscribers by 2025, alongside competitors like Fox News and CNN. Estimates predict that MSNBC might see its average audience drop from 68.5 million to approximately 61.3 million during this period, particularly troubling as the network anticipates an election year that typically boosts news consumption.
To combat these challenges, Kutler is proposing to establish a standalone newsgathering operation, separate from NBC News, and create a dedicated MSNBC Washington bureau. She has outlined plans to recruit new talent and bolster the network’s reporting capabilities while maintaining its commitment to progressive values.
The recent shake-ups reflect a wider trend across cable news, wherein networks are striving to reclaim audiences lost since the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election. Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, both MSNBC and CNN have witnessed a significant shift in viewership dynamics. Nevertheless, MSNBC has enjoyed a resurgence in primetime ratings, though it still trails behind Fox News.
Sanders-Townsend, Menendez, and Steele have already demonstrated audience growth on their weekend program, “The Weekend,” resulting in noticeable improvements among younger viewers. Kutler’s vision underscores her commitment to evolving MSNBC’s identity while nurturing the network’s legacy of progressive commentary.
Joy Reid’s exit is not without controversy. Social media reactions have reflected a mixture of support and criticism regarding her departure. Opinions range from those celebrating her absence as a victory in the so-called “Information War” to voices like that of Ellie Mystal, who expressed gratitude for Reid’s role in elevating diverse perspectives within the media landscape. Such a varied response underscores the complexities of maintaining a progressive platform in a politically charged environment.
Joy Reid has officially been FIRED from MSNBC! Goodbye! pic.twitter.com/e4JTvJGFzT
— Link Lauren (@itslinklauren) February 23, 2025
Jim Acosta GONE
Chuck Todd GONE
Joy Reid GONEWho’s next?? pic.twitter.com/Y07xaBUZt7
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) February 23, 2025
Joy Reid lost her job. But she is gonna be alright.
The streets will hold her down pic.twitter.com/BzCMTYgmBA
— Tariq Nasheed ?? (@tariqnasheed) February 23, 2025
I owe the television part of my career to Joy Reid, as do so many other Black voices y’all never would have heard of if not for her.
And *that’s* why she’s gone. They can treat black folks as interchangeable, but everybody Black knows that Joy was indispensable.
— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) February 23, 2025
Joy Reid is OUT at MSNBC!
Goodbye to one of the biggest HACKS, RACISTS, and LOSERS to ever DISGRACE a cable news set!
Goodbye, Joy! pic.twitter.com/DAxOWEkrA1
— Rob Smith (@robsmithonline) February 23, 2025
With the anticipated programming changes, Kutler appears focused on shaping the future of MSNBC, which may involve further adjustments across daytime and weekend schedules. The departure of long-standing anchors, like Andrea Mitchell, whose recent exit has left a void, adds to the uncertainty regarding the network’s long-term trajectory.
In conclusion, MSNBC is at a crossroads, aiming to realign its evening lineup with new programming strategies aimed at reversing viewer attrition while navigating the uncertain waters of the evolving political landscape. As new anchors step in and fresh faces emerge, the network hopes not only to retain its loyal audience but also to attract new viewers in an increasingly competitive cable news marketplace.
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