Joy Reid's staff had 'tense' meeting with MSNBC chiefs after learning her show was being axed in media, report says
Source: The Independent
Monday 24 February 2025 09:00 GMT
MSNBC has canceled Joy Reid’s evening news show and held a “tense” meeting with her staff after the news was leaked to the press. The final episode ofThe ReidOut (sic) will air this week, The New York Times reports. Her slot will be replaced by a show led by a trio of hosts: Democratic strategist Symone Sanders Townsend, former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele and journalist Alicia Menendez. They currently host The Weekend, which airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Rebecca Kutler, the network’s newly-appointed leader, made the call amid larger plans to overhaul MSNBC’s programming, according to the Times. Now, media journalist Oliver Darcy reports Reid’s staff found out they were losing their jobs in a tense and emotional 30-minute impromptu meeting Sunday morning. Staffers were reportedly frustrated they learned about the show shutting down from media reports, rather than directly from leadership.
Reid has hosted a 7 p.m. show on the network since 2020. She had been with the company since 2014. The network has also removed Alex Wagner from her weekday evening spot, and Darcy reports Kutler held a “similar” meeting with the show’s staff. However, Wagner is expected to stay with MSNBC as a contributor.
Now, many are mourning Reid’s departure. “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,” journalist Elie Mystal wrote on X. “And *that's* why she's gone. They can treat black folks as interchangeable, but everybody Black knows that Joy was indispensable.”
Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/msnbc-joy-reid-canceled-staff-meeting-b2703307.html
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Rhiannon12866
(253,860 posts)And, as was said, she attracts guests that don't appear on other shows, like Rep. Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the January 6th Select Committee. And she and Rachel Maddow did a book tour discussing her best selling book on Medgar Evers, I watched the segment on MSNBC and the venue looked sold out to me. Plus, she is an important part of the specials they have when the prime time hosts cover breaking news. Makes no sense to me. 
GiqueCee
(3,868 posts)... Strike One: Ms Reid is a force of nature to be reckoned with, which is a good and honorable thing. Conservatives HATE good and honorable.
Strike Two: Ms Reid is a woman with the power to communicate effectively. Conservatives HATE women with ANY kind of power.
Strike Three: Ms Reid is Black. Conservatives HATE anyone who isn't white.
I predict that Ms Reid will find other ways to get her message out. Good luck, Ms Reid. I'll be watching for it.
Rhiannon12866
(253,860 posts)And the bottom line is simply that I like her show and the news stories she discusses since it's rarely a repeat of the news of the day on other shows. Plus, I watch MSNBC since I consider it to be a progressive offering compared to any other news venue. I'll also be watching for what she does next - but I'm hoping that MSNBC's mailbox is full of complaints since she will certainly be missed. *sigh*
elias7
(4,229 posts)Unless you’re implying that conservatives have taken over MSNBC and their hating of “good and honorable”, of “women with and kind of power” and of “non-whites” has taken over hiring and firing practices there.
They are replacing her with two blacks and a latina, they are firing a white (Alex Wagner), and the women with power with higher ratings are not being fired.
I’m going to have to I disagree with you, although I will say she is one of my favorites.
Yoyoyo77
(320 posts)GiqueCee
(3,868 posts)... what is obvious to us all by now, which is that conservatives very likely leaned on Rebecca Cutler, the Bull Goose Queen Looney at MSNBC, to find any excuse to terminate Ms Reid for having the temerity to tell the truth, which mortally offends the delicate sensibilities of conservatives.
Joy undoubtedly refused to "tone down" her analyses of conservative skullduggery, and she told 'em to pound sand. Just my guess.
GoreWon2000
(1,461 posts)Silencing a prominent woman of color who spoke truth to power at a time when our country needs it more than ever is the real issue here. The ratings of all MSNBC shows went down in the immediate aftermath of the election but ratings have rebounded after tRump took office. Joy correctly identified tRump as a fascist and an insurrectionists. The actual facts prove that she's right. Joy was horrified as were many by the slaughter of innocent Palestinian children in Gaza. What Hamas did to Israel on 10/7/23 will always and forever be wrong and they must be held accountable. Slaughtering innocent Palestinian children is not getting rid of Hamas. Joy was right to call this out.
It also should not be lost on anyone that the shows MSNBC targeted for cancellation were hosted by women of color. Rachel Maddow was right to call this out. Rachel also called out the shoddy way that the staffs that put these shows on every day, being laid off with no notice. This is tRump/Musk slash and burn behavior and it's unacceptable.
Self Esteem
(2,248 posts)Symone Sanders-Townsend (who worked for Bernie's 2016 campaign and Biden's 2020, as well as with VP Harris) is joining a panel with Michael Steele (Black) and Alicia Menendez (woman).
This move was likely a result of Reid's ratings. The Reidout is currently the 7th most popular show on MSNBC, which isn't great.
https://ustvdb.com/networks/msnbc/shows/reidout/&ved=2ahUKEwjK0MeSxNyLAxVjHjQIHXHnGisQFnoECEYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw28KmIBAH5OS8BNMyt_pQub
It's likely entirely due to her poor ratings.
Jilly_in_VA
(14,257 posts)I mean, who watches TV at 7 pm? If you were to put Joy Reid in a better time frame, her ratings would go way up.
La Coliniere
(1,874 posts)in from of the tube watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy between 7-8pm…easier on digestion than Reid’s hard hitting program. WOF is ratings gold since Ryan Seacrest became the new host. I wish MSNBC would’ve replaced the quisling blowhard and Mika morning show with Joy Reid.
Attilatheblond
(8,660 posts)People are creatures of habit and that time-slot put Reid at a big disadvantage.
BumRushDaShow
(168,414 posts)they might have factored in (again) for demerits, some of her past homophobic views from 20 years ago, and possibly her current very strong views on the Israel/Hamas situation.
She is and has always been very opinionated - not unlike another former MSNBC firebrand no longer spoken about - Martin Bashir (Joy came to MSNBC not long after Bashir was fired).
I always cracked up about her spot-on usage of body language to accentuate her feelings about subjects being discussed (her facial expressions were always meme-worthy 
).
Rhiannon12866
(253,860 posts)And when was Martin Bashir on? He looks familiar to me but I can't seem to place him - and I've been watching MSNBC since Rachel Maddow appeared on Tucker Carlson's show! 
BumRushDaShow
(168,414 posts)but had come to MSNBC around 2010 (initially as a fill-in/substitute host but later had a show).
His show was in the slot where Nicolle is now - 4 pm (he would come on before Tweety's 5 pm show).
(ETA - my work schedule back then of "7:00 am - 3:30 pm" meant I could race home and catch his show just as it started at 4 pm )
roscoeroscoe
(1,825 posts)Anyone in the know, was the show accurately depicting him fabricating evidence to get to Diana and convice her to agree to an interview? Pretty damn shady the way he was depicted!
BumRushDaShow
(168,414 posts)including that and his dogged coverage of Michael Jackson.
But when it came to American politics, he was an attack dog like the multiple-times ditched Keith Olbermann.
thebigidea
(13,572 posts)
markodochartaigh
(5,385 posts)I think that just like in politics there are the hoi-polloi electorate and the people who matter electorate; there is probably the huddled masses audience and the people who matter audience.
No matter how strong a news personality is with the huddled masses, if they are in too much disfavor with the people who matter, their days are numbered. The people who matter do not like being uncomfortable and today's political winds are too gusty to make for smooth sailing for fact-based media.
dchill
(42,660 posts)Basically, if your ratings are good, you stay on the air. If not, you may not.
tavernier
(14,421 posts)they probably didn’t like her hair. And other stuff. 
mcar
(45,909 posts)People here have been clamoring for that trio to get a prime time spot.
tavernier
(14,421 posts)And I’m sure I’ll take a punch to the nose on what I’m about to say. The viewing television audience likes to see attractive and styled people; that’s just a fact. Joy has had hair loss issues for years, and instead of playing this down, she was subjected to a multitude of ugly wigs, some appeared to be put on backward, and when that didn’t work, they got out the big box of eye and lip crayons and went to town on her. And don’t get me started on the clothes. Some days I screamed at the set,
“Why are you letting them do this to you?”
And of course when your eyes are distracted from the ears, the message gets lost.
I don’t think it was done on purpose at first, but when her fiery personality refused to play the both-sides game, it was almost as if they were trying to make her unlikeable.
They are replacing Joy with Symone Sanders (and two others). Symone is practically bald. Plus she is very heavily made up and her clothing is several sizes too small for her very ample body. Frankly, Joy is a hell of a lot more attractive than Ms. Sanders. And her fiery personality is tame compared to Symone. I don’t think this came down to appearance. For whatever reason, Joy had lower ratings. Personally, I’d much rather listen to Joy than Symone (although I love Michael Steele and like Alicia Menendez). It wouldn’t surprise me if this move backfires on MSNBC.
CTyankee
(68,066 posts)saying by HOW she is saying it. She acts the part, rather than imparting a serious message.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Until she went short blonde. I just saw all the goofy wigs.
But this is not the reason I am not sorry she is gone. The last time I watched her show she had 2 women waiting to be interviews, one black, one white. She ignored the white woman clear through the show and made a big fuss over the black woman . It was so obvious. I do not care for racism either way.
When I tuned in to her last show it was worse. I think that creates division and we should be long past the 1960’s. Time for equality for all.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)She refused to play both sides game. Instead she was a one trick pony. That has grown old if we ever hope to be one nation. Republicans are using that division against us.
womanofthehills
(10,903 posts)MSNBC lost most young viewers- average viewer is now around 65 yrs old. Joy can start her own Podcast and probably have way more viewers than she had on MSNBC.
McKim
(2,426 posts)DU Friends, How can I contact MSNBC about Joy Reid? Their public opinion phone number is hard to find!
OhioTim
(387 posts)demand that?
BlueKota
(5,250 posts)Michael Steele's rant on Morning Joe about tsf was actually more critical and stronger in my opinion, than anything most liberal news casters I have seen have said. I really don't see an obvious political motive due to what a lot of others pointed out, they aren't replacing her with white male conservatives.
LymphocyteLover
(9,700 posts)womanofthehills
(10,903 posts)MSNBC around 700,000 and CNN around 500,000 while podcasts with way less overhead are pulling in millions of viewers. Don’t see how they will stay in business.
LymphocyteLover
(9,700 posts)True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Is going rough a huge change, sold,along with other stations, new management.
When they do this I just find other things to watch. Even Rachel took a $25 million dollar cut.
I find videos on the net. Medias Touch has surpassed Joe Rogan, who ever that is. 3 brothers run Meidas.
leftgirl
(44 posts)Joy brought enthusiasm to the show and got right to the point........no dancing around the issue which is what my husband
and I loved about her
Yes and she did introduce many folks that we would be unaware of......
I cannot believe her ratings were any lower than some of the other shows........
we are 2 old white people that Loved her.....she reached people across the spectrum
and we also love ELIE MYSTAL!!!
ELIE ....please find a way to come back on the shows......
You just tell it like it is........... and that is what we want to hear....
what the heck is going on and why!!
this is a true loss!!!
underpants
(195,954 posts)
ancianita
(43,242 posts)
IzzaNuDay
(1,277 posts)
for the FO partancianita
(43,242 posts)(866) 787-6228 Call MSNBC
IzzaNuDay
(1,277 posts)and left a message….
ancianita
(43,242 posts) True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Makes the weekend show. I quit watching Joy long ago. All I remember is her ever changing hair styles..
Scarborough is nothing but reruns.
I watch Acosta on the link a poster was kind enough to give us. My viewing habits are changing..
milestogo
(22,946 posts)Michael Steele should have his own show.
Simone talks too much.
Menendez doesn't add much.
But Joy Reid is better than any of them. I think its a shitty time slot.
Trust_Reality
(2,287 posts)Joy is quite a talent.
Has she spoken out against big money/big business?
Has she spoken out against AIPAC?
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)Last edited Fri Feb 28, 2025, 05:04 AM - Edit history (1)
And talks over everyone.
Michael was on by himself last night. Funny, but full of News. I enjoyed him. His sense of humor makes the show.alone,he was great.
IzzaNuDay
(1,277 posts)I didn’t see her hair styling as an issue. For many African American women, hair maintenance and styling comes with many challenges.I don’t know what her challenges were (and frankly none of my business), but she had to adapt for her well being and camera presence. Did not affect the way she delivered the news.
GoreWon2000
(1,461 posts)especially as a person of color. Her voice is more important than ever now. There are times in life when the truth is ugly. We're now living through 1 of those times. Michael Steele is a former token repug, not my cup of tea.
Trueblue Texan
(4,361 posts)Steel and Menedez are ok, but I like Townsend's willingness to express honest emotion when everyone else is holding themselves in check.
Intractable
(1,930 posts)True Blue American
(18,579 posts)We are already bored to tears with Musk jumping , hopping, waving chain saws on something while Trump grimaces vacantly by..
Like John Kennedy, “ We have seen this show before.”
bdamomma
(69,491 posts)All the time. Is it because of her colour or because she was a critic of the felon or both.
Joinfortmill
(20,894 posts)
Bengus81
(10,064 posts)Yet SHE gets canned and they're still on. Trump call them up and they kowtowed?
NEOH
(287 posts)
Brainstormy
(2,537 posts)She's smarter than all of them, except possibly Rachel, and one of the network's main attractions for me.
Trueblue Texan
(4,361 posts)I love Joy's passion and bravery, her anger, and how she tells it like it is. I haven't been watching television at all since I don't have cable or sling, but I am still very sorry to see her go. But maybe I'll catch her last show on the internet somewhere.
Tom Rinaldo
(23,187 posts)I loved Joy as a commentator when MSNBC did panel coverage on election nights and other breaking events. She is so bright and insightful, and fearless. But i tended not to watch her regular evening show, and it's hard to put into words why. I agree with her on almost everything. I have no problem with her so called attitude or anything along those lines. It's just that, while she fiercely validates my viewpoints, she didn't often, in my experience, bring new stories, or angles on stories, to my attention during her own show that weren't being covered on all the other MSNBC shows. I find Rachel, Lawrence, Nichole, and Micheal Steele to be the MSNBC hosts who tend to offer me new perspectives on political news.
So I'm sorry that she's probably leaving MSNBC. I liked her show OK, but personally didn't find it compelling viewing. If it were my choice to make, I wouldn't have axed her though.
GoreWon2000
(1,461 posts)which is the perspective of the black community. She went out of her way to showcase African Americans on her show. Joy called tRump what the facts prove that he is, a fascist and an insurrectionist. As for Nicole Wallace, she worked for Jeb Bush during the now infamous Florida felon purge in 1999 and 2000 and then she helped spread W's big lie that all of the Florida votes had been counted and recounted in 2000 which they hadn't. I won't watch her show having spent 15 of my 24 years working on dem election campaigns in Florida. Michael Steele is a former repug token African American.
moniss
(8,953 posts)I kept screaming that Joe Madison should be on every day but MSNBC acted like he barely existed.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)moniss
(8,953 posts)Jarqui
(10,893 posts)I cannot help but wonder if it is an effort to realign with the political landscape
Ninga
(9,010 posts)comparative historic references and weaves her narrative in relatable language. It is not good to lose her view and voice.
roscoeroscoe
(1,825 posts)Some of her episodes were absolute fire. I liked her energy and wit.
Symone Sanders doesn't reach the same standard in my humble opinion. Michael Steele is always valuable, but Symone... not an upgrade there.
kimbutgar
(27,123 posts)Before the election I watched Joy daily but I won’t be watching msnbc at all anymore,
FSTV is my only go to now for progressive news.
Shellback Squid
(10,037 posts)brush
(61,033 posts)to save MSNBC as it's rumored to be for sale. It's probably also a nod to trump and his maga, anti-DEI stances.
Reminds me of Chris Licht, the former CNN boss who promised to get more maga views on CNN. He was fired and I think Kutler will be too.
GoreWon2000
(1,461 posts)brush
(61,033 posts)GoreWon2000
(1,461 posts)
coffeenap
(3,294 posts)Ayman Mohyeldin's show has been axed too.
Edit: He just said there's more to this situation that will be explained later.
True Blue American
(18,579 posts)And a bunch of ther stations.
Initech
(108,437 posts)
patphil
(8,945 posts)A lot of people aren't ready to do 4-5 hours of news each night. I would have liked her to be on at 8, instead of 7. She's way too good to just let go.
But, I expect Joy to do quite well wherever she ends up.
Betty Boom
(434 posts)I am grieving the loss of Joy Reid. Not happy to hear that Simone Sanders is one of her replacements. There’s something about her voice and delivery that just grates on my nerves
CTyankee
(68,066 posts)Michael and the other female host almost look embarrassed at her antics.
Betty Boom
(434 posts)I finally figured out what it is about her accent or speech rhythm that bugs me. She sounds like Cartman from South Park when Cartman is trying to sound smooth.
Retrograde
(11,410 posts)As an elderly white semi-suburban woman I appreciated that point of view - it wasn't the same-old Beltway attitude. She had an awkward time slot - 4PM on the West Coast. I taped her shows to watch later.
BumRushDaShow
(168,414 posts)where his "live" hour was 5 pm ET (2 pm PT) and then it repeated at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT).