MSNBC has made significant changes to its programming lineup, leading to the departure of many staff members
who worked on the network’s prime-time evening news shows, including those behind Rachel Maddow’s and Joy Reid’s shows.
As part of the overhaul, the network has informed producers working on both shows
that they will be let go, though they have the opportunity to reapply for new roles within the network.
Rachel Maddow, the highest-rated anchor at MSNBC, will retain some of her key staff,
including executive producer Cory Gnazzo and other senior producers.
However, the rest of Maddow’s team—along with producers from other canceled shows, including those hosted by Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, Ayman Mohyeldin, and José Díaz-Balart—have been given a difficult choice: accept severance or reapply for new positions.
The restructuring at MSNBC is part of a larger shift in the network’s programming, which will see Maddow reduce her schedule to only Mondays after the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency. Following this change, Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, will take over the Tuesday-to-Friday time slots.
A Shift in MSNBC’s Strategy
According to sources, these personnel changes are not widespread layoffs but rather a redistribution of staff to support new priorities within the network. A senior MSNBC insider explained that the new job openings will first be posted internally, allowing current employees the chance to apply before they are made available to external candidates. The decision to have staff reapply for roles in time slots they have already worked is unprecedented in scale and represents a new approach by the network, which had historically been able to relocate staff without layoffs when canceling shows.
However, the move comes at a time of broader cost-cutting efforts within the cable news industry. As MSNBC is spun off from NBCUniversal, the network has been focused on finding savings, much like CNN, which recently laid off 200 employees as part of a larger digital strategy overhaul under new leadership.
Concerns have also surfaced among MSNBC staff, especially those in Washington, D.C. Many are anxious that new job postings might be concentrated in New York, where the pay rates for unionized employees are typically lower, and these new roles could require relocation.
Maddow Criticizes the Network’s Handling of Staff Changes
Rachel Maddow didn’t hold back in her criticism of the network’s recent decisions. On Monday night’s show, she expressed deep concern for the producers and staff who have been affected by the changes. Describing their treatment as “put through the wringer,” Maddow called attention to the unprecedented nature of the layoffs and the reapplication process.
She remarked, “That has never happened at this scale, in this way before when it comes to programming changes, presumably because it’s not the right way to treat people, and it’s inefficient and it’s unnecessary.” Maddow also highlighted the negative impact these changes could have on the morale of employees, suggesting that such a process might leave staff feeling disillusioned about their workplace.
In addition to criticizing the layoffs, Maddow also spoke out about the decision to cancel shows hosted by people of color. The cancellations of The ReidOut, hosted by Joy Reid, and the shows of other minority hosts have drawn attention, particularly since two of the network’s non-white hosts in prime time are losing their shows. Maddow expressed that this move felt “worse than bad” and called it “indefensible.”
She added, “It is also unnerving to see on a network where we’ve got two, two non-white hosts in prime time, both of our non-white hosts in prime time are losing their shows, as is Katie Phang on the weekend. That feels worse than bad no matter who replaces them. That feels indefensible and I do not defend it.”
Reid’s Departure and The Impact of Programming Shifts
Joy Reid’s departure, in particular, has drawn strong reactions from both fans and colleagues. As one of the few Black women hosting a prime-time cable news show, Reid’s exit has raised questions about MSNBC’s commitment to diversity. Reid will leave the network, with her show The ReidOut ending abruptly, while other hosts like Katie Phang will continue their roles in a different capacity, though their shows have also been canceled.
While the changes at MSNBC are still unfolding, the reactions from Maddow and other staff members reflect broader concerns over the direction the network is taking. With programming shifts impacting several high-profile hosts and staffers, the future of MSNBC’s prime-time lineup remains uncertain.
For now, Maddow’s comments have added a critical voice to the ongoing debate about the network’s priorities and treatment of employees during a time of transition. With a focus on cost-saving measures and reallocation of resources, it’s clear that MSNBC is undergoing a transformation, but it’s still unclear what the long-term impact will be on both its talent and audience.
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