MSNBC Announces Major Programming Changes Amid Viewer Decline

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2025 — MSNBC is preparing for a significant reshuffle in its evening line-up as the cable network responds to declining viewership and a shifting media landscape. Starting next week, the network is expected to move hosts Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele to the 7 p.m. weekday slot from Tuesday through Friday, according to sources familiar with the changes.

In addition, the trio will take over a two-hour segment on Mondays, leading from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The current 7 p.m. anchor, whose identity has not been disclosed, is anticipated to conclude her tenure at MSNBC this week.

Furthermore, sources indicate that the 9 p.m. weeknight slot, traditionally hosted by Rachel Maddow, will see her transitioned to contributor status. This shift comes after Maddow has primarily hosted the evening program, except for a Monday night featuring special guest hosts.

Rachel Wagner, a correspondent covering the U.S. during the initial phase of the new Trump presidency, is also not expected to return to her previous weekday role. Meanwhile, Jen Psaki is poised to step in for at least one of the evening hours.

MSNBC is reportedly in discussions to bring on Eugene Daniels of Politico and Melissa Murray, a New York University law professor, for undefined roles within the network, according to sources.

MSNBC declined requests for comment from its executives. These developments come shortly after the appointment of new executive leader, who previously served at CNN. She emphasized the importance of adapting to the current media challenges, stating, “Our jobs are hard on a normal day, and these are not normal times.”

Recent estimates from Kagan, a market research firm, forecast a decline of approximately 10.5% in MSNBC’s subscribers from the end of 2023 through 2025. The network’s viewer count is projected to fall from 68.5 million to about 61.3 million, even with the draw of the upcoming election year.

The new executive has outlined ambitions to create an independent news-gathering entity for MSNBC, which will lose its connection to NBC News following the cable network’s transition to a publicly traded company. Plans include establishing a new Washington bureau and recruiting a diverse array of correspondents while maintaining the network’s progressive identity.

Despite challenges, MSNBC has experienced growth in its primetime and overall viewership since the inauguration, though it continues to trail behind rival Fox News Channel. Previous election cycles typically bring news viewers back, but the competition has intensified since Trump’s return to the White House.

The newly revamped weekend show, “The Weekend,” led by Sanders-Townsend, Menendez, and Steele, has shown substantial viewer retention and engagement, particularly among the coveted 25 to 54 demographic.

As Kutler evaluates the daytime and weekend schedules, there remains uncertainty around the future of Andrea Mitchell’s role within MSNBC, heightening curiosity among staff about the potential impact on the network’s broadcaster roster.