MSNBC Overhauls Programming Amid Criticism of Non-White Hosts’ Cancellation

NEW YORK, NY — MSNBC has informed the majority of its employees producing Rachel Maddow‘s primetime news shows that they will be let go as part of a significant programming overhaul. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly as it affects shows hosted by the network’s only non-white primetime anchors.

Following a strategic shift set to take effect on April 21, executives revealed that staff working under Maddow—MSNBC’s highest-rated anchor—would not be returning. While Maddow and some senior producers will retain their roles, many team members are encouraged to either accept severance packages or reapply for new positions within the network.

The layoffs notably impact producers of shows hosted by Joy Reid, Alex Wagner, and others. Insiders noted that while Maddow is transitioning to a Monday-only hosting schedule, Jen Psaki, a former White House press secretary, will fill the Tuesday-to-Friday time slots.

Communication from MSNBC emphasized that these changes are part of a reallocation strategy rather than widespread layoffs. Sources close to the network mentioned that the new job postings will prioritize affected employees before being made available externally.

This unprecedented move raises concerns among staffers, especially regarding the potential relocation to New York, where pay rates negotiated by unions may be lower. Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s new president, assured staff that more than 100 new roles would be posted this week, aiming to boost the network’s workforce in the coming months.

Over the weekend, a staff member inquired about the future of Reid’s team, to which Kutler responded that while team members would face layoffs, they would remain employed until April and receive severance packages.

During a recent broadcast, Maddow articulated her concerns regarding the layoffs and the overarching programming changes, stating, “We don’t generally do things that way.” She emphasized the emotional toll on producers and staffers now facing job insecurity, remarking, “This has never happened at this scale, in this way before.”

Maddow expressed particular dismay over the cancellations impacting the network’s diversity in primetime, where both Reid and Wagner are being let go. She referred to these changes as “indefensible” and called Reid’s dismissal a “bad mistake.”

Concurrently, MSNBC faces challenges in maintaining viewership, as projected subscriber losses hint at a decline of nearly 10.5% over the next two years. The shift echoes similar struggles faced by other cable networks, including CNN, which laid off staff last month amid a change in leadership.

As MSNBC transitions under Kutler’s leadership, she plans to enhance the network’s independent capabilities and align with its progressive values while emphasizing a fresh direction for programming. “We want to grow and succeed and reach more people than ever,” she stated, while acknowledging the need to treat employees with respect and care.