*More changes! In a significant shakeup for the network, MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, has announced the cancellation of shows hosted by prominent anchors Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart.
This move follows the highly publicized ousting of Joy Reid and the cancellation of her show, “The ReidOut.” As the network repositions itself, it is clear that Kutler is making bold decisions to redefine MSNBC’s lineup.
On Monday, an insider shared with The Post that staff members working for Capehart and Phang were informed that their weekend shows would be canceled. This confirmation aligns with a report from The Guardian, which stated that Mohyeldin’s program, “Ayman,” is set to air its final episode on April 20.
An MSNBC spokesperson affirmed the shakeup, signaling a desire for new direction within the network. Although Phang, Mohyeldin, and Capehart will remain at MSNBC, they are expected to transition into new time slots for their shows, though no specifics have been provided about when those changes will take effect. Phang, who broadcast her show from Miami, learned that her program would be ending due to the network’s decision to sunset its South Florida operations. Despite the cancellation of her show, she will continue her role as a legal correspondent, the NY Post is reporting.
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Rebecca Kutler’s leadership marks a new era for MSNBC, largely influenced by the departure of the previous president, Rashida Jones. Kutler’s decision to terminate Reid—alongside other left-leaning hosts—reflects her vision for the network, focusing on restructuring and possibly appealing to a broader audience. The anchor’s exit was accompanied by reports that staffers had been blindsided and informed they would be laid off but could reapply for positions within other areas of the network.
In a bold move, Kutler has also leaned on MSNBC’s highest-paid star, Rachel Maddow, poised to return to a five-day-a-week format, particularly during the Trump administration’s first 100 days. This decision has left others, such as Alex Wagner—who previously anchored in Maddow’s primetime slot—out of the loop in terms of programming.
The cancellation of long-standing hosts has raised eyebrows among media circles and viewers alike, particularly given the historical significance of these anchors. Kutler’s actions have been met with both support and criticism, as her “tough and corporate” approach has sparked conversation around diversity and representation in the media.
Reid was celebrated for being the first Black woman to host a cable primetime program, while Wagner made history as the first Asian-American primetime host on the network. Additionally, Mohyeldin, an Egyptian-born anchor, faced scrutiny following reports of the network’s perceived biased coverage surrounding the Oct. 7 massacre by Hamas in Israel. Although the network maintains that he was not sidelined—contradicting sentiments from other staff—his role has shifted in line with Kutler’s new vision.
As Kutler implements these changes, it remains to be seen how the audience will respond and what impact these shifts may have on MSNBC’s market position. The upheaval has undoubtedly set the stage for a new chapter in the network’s storied history, one filled with uncertainty but also opportunities for growth and redefinition.
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