MSNBC has found itself at the center of controversy as some of
its most prominent figures openly criticize the network’s leadership over the decision to cancel Joy Reid and Alex Wagner’s programs while also laying off their production teams.
The on-air pushback from MSNBC’s leading voices highlights growing tensions within the network amid a broader restructuring effort.
During her widely watched primetime show, Rachel Maddow did not hold back in expressing her disapproval of the decision, calling it “a bad mistake.”
Maddow, a key figure at the network, emphasized that the cancellation of these shows and the loss of non-white hosts in primetime felt “indefensible.”
She further condemned the mass layoffs, describing them as an unfair and disruptive move that has left many employees uncertain about their future.
According to Maddow, the anxiety within the network is “off the charts” at an already difficult and stressful time for journalism.
While MSNBC executives insist the changes are part of a strategic overhaul and not a response to political pressures, critics on the right are celebrating the shake-up. Conservative media figures have seized on Reid’s departure as a victory, claiming it signifies a loss of influence for the progressive network.
MSNBC has maintained that these changes are necessary as part of an operational shift, particularly given its planned separation from parent company NBCUniversal. Some of the programming adjustments, such as ending Miami-based broadcasts by Katie Phang and José Díaz-Balart, were influenced by logistical constraints. Once Comcast finalizes its spinoff of MSNBC and other cable entities, the network will no longer have access to NBC’s Miami studios. As a result, Díaz-Balart will transition to NBC’s weekend “Nightly News” while Phang continues as a legal correspondent for MSNBC.
Despite these explanations, the reshuffling has caused significant unease among both viewers and staff. Reports about Reid and Wagner’s possible departures began circulating late last week, but confirmation only came on Monday when MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler announced the revamped schedule. The lack of clear communication left many shocked, with Reid hosting the final episode of “The ReidOut” without any explicit explanation for its cancellation. MSNBC, too, has not provided a direct reason for her departure.
Looking ahead, MSNBC’s schedule will see notable changes. Reid’s 7 p.m. slot will now be filled by “The Weekend” co-hosts Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. Meanwhile, once Maddow resumes her once-a-week hosting schedule in April, Jen Psaki will take over the 9 p.m. hour from Tuesday to Friday. As for Wagner, she will continue contributing to the network as a senior political analyst.
Although MSNBC has encouraged laid-off employees to apply for other roles within the network, there are no assurances that they will be rehired. Lawrence O’Donnell, another influential MSNBC anchor, voiced his concern over the situation, stating that leaving talented professionals “adrift” does not make sense. He urged management to reconsider the impact of these layoffs.
Throughout the week, Maddow and her colleagues have defended Reid’s legacy at the network while pushing back against conservative critiques. Some right-wing media outlets have portrayed the cancellations as a necessary step, arguing that Reid’s outspoken views made her a liability for MSNBC. Others have claimed that her departure signals a shift in MSNBC’s editorial stance.
During a staff call on Sunday, Kutler was directly asked whether these decisions were made to appease the Trump administration. She denied any political motivations, reiterating that the changes were part of a broader restructuring effort.
Despite the internal turmoil, MSNBC is elevating other progressive voices as part of its new programming strategy. Many of the incoming hosts have been vocal critics of former President Trump, indicating that the network is not softening its stance against his administration.
In her final broadcast, Reid did not shy away from discussing the political climate, warning viewers about the threats of “fascism” in America. She stressed the importance of resistance, arguing that history has shown that societal progress is only achieved through collective action and perseverance.
Meanwhile, conservative commentators have seized upon Reid’s exit to celebrate what they see as a weakening of MSNBC’s progressive stance. Former President Trump himself weighed in, taking to social media to accuse MSNBC of being “corrupt” and “illegal,” claiming the network should be held accountable for what he perceives as damage to the country. Right-wing media figures and outlets, including The Daily Wire and Breitbart, have also weighed in, with some suggesting that Reid’s progressive leanings ultimately led to her downfall.
Over on Fox News, Greg Gutfeld wasted no time mocking Reid’s exit during his Monday night show, drawing cheers from his studio audience. Other conservative personalities followed suit, with figures like Benny Johnson and Tim Pool celebrating the cancellation as a win for their side.
As MSNBC moves forward with its new lineup, the debate over these programming changes is unlikely to fade anytime soon. While the network insists the restructuring is about efficiency and adaptation, its critics—both within and outside MSNBC—believe the shake-up reflects deeper issues regarding political pressures, diversity, and the future direction of the network.
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