MSNBC is making big changes under its new president, Rebecca Kutler, including the cancellation of Joy Reid’s popular show, “The ReidOut.” This move is part of a broader restructuring aimed at improving the network’s performance after a tough ratings slump.
Sources told the New York Times that Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend will team up to co-host a new panel show in the 7 p.m. slot, replacing Reid’s show. The final episode of “The ReidOut” is set to air later this week.
This change comes as part of Kutler’s efforts to revamp MSNBC’s programming after taking over earlier this month. It’s also been reported that Alex Wagner, who previously anchored a weeknight show, has been removed from her position as part of these adjustments.
The network is facing its lowest ratings in history, with MSNBC attracting only 734,000 viewers in prime time, while CNN pulled in 522,000. As a result, more changes are expected as MSNBC looks to rebuild its audience.
What to know about Trump critic Joy Reid
Reid, a prominent Trump supporter in mainstream media, has been a key anchor at MSNBC for years. She started hosting the weekend talk show “AM Joy” in 2016 and was promoted to the 7 p.m. slot in 2020.
Recently, Reid became known for her controversial comments, including telling Trump supporters to “make your own dinner” for Thanksgiving and warning them to “suffer the consequences of your votes.”
In December, Nielsen Media Research revealed that Reid’s viewership had dropped by almost 50% after Donald Trump’s victory. MSNBC’s primetime ratings fell by a shocking 53% following the November 5 election results but saw a notable recovery in the four weeks after Trump’s inauguration.
Reports also suggest that in December, Reid and fellow MSNBC star Stephanie Ruhle were offered significant pay cuts if they chose to stay in their anchor roles.
Netizens React Strongly to Joy Reid’s Show Cancellation
As news broke about the cancellation of Joy Reid’s show, many netizens voiced their reactions, with some expressing relief. One user commented that the show had been “unwatchable” and was rightfully canceled.
Another wrote, “Good riddance to the most vitriolic, lowbrow, and unhinged race hustler ever allowed on national television.”
Others were equally outspoken, with one saying, “Good riddance, Joy Reid!! Enjoy the job search now that racism, lying, and pandering are no longer ‘in.'”
A third user shared their excitement, saying, “Waking up and seeing Joy Reid was fired made my day! Good riddance.”
Just a day before the news about Joy Reid’s show cancellation, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to blast MSNBC. He called the network a “threat to our democracy,” accusing it of “lying and misrepresentation.” He also criticized the people in charge, referring to them as “bad people at the top.” Trump even referred to MSNBC by its nickname, “MSDNC,” in his post.
