MSNBC is revamping its lineup in a bold move that has canceled longtime host Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. program, The Reid Out. The network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, announced this decision as part of a comprehensive restructuring effort to address ongoing viewership declines.
Recent Nielsen data highlights a concerning situation for the network. Since the November election, primetime viewership has plummeted by 54%, falling from 1.1 million to only 736,000 viewers. Meanwhile, Morning Joe, the network’s flagship morning program, has experienced its lowest ratings since 2021, facing a 41% decline in the critical 25-54 demographic after the backlash over co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski’s controversial meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Historically, MSNBC thrived in a climate of intense political polarization, with its hard-hitting, anti-Trump rhetoric attracting a loyal audience. However, critics now argue that the network’s heavy reliance on this approach has alienated moderate and independent viewers—particularly in the wake of a cooling political landscape following Kamala Harris’s loss to Trump. As political tensions ease, MSNBC seems to be struggling to hold on to its once-devoted audience.
Joy Reid, a prominent critic of President Trump and a fixture on MSNBC since 2016—first hosting AM Joy’s weekend program before moving to the 7 p.m. slot in 2020—will see her final episode air this week. Her departure from primetime marks a strategic shift for the network as it aims to revitalize its image and rebuild its viewer base.
A new panel show led by anchors Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend will fill the void left by The ReidOut. While the network has not yet shared Joy Reid’s next steps or any possible new role for her, this programming shakeup highlights MSNBC’s urgent response to an evolving media landscape and changing viewer preferences.
As the network navigates these turbulent times, industry observers note that the current changes may indicate a broader transformation in cable news—one where traditional, ideologically driven content must adjust to a more fragmented and competitive market.
2 Comments
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website?
My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would certainly
benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards! https://menbehealth.wordpress.com/
As long as you credit Black Westchester and put a link to the original article you are quoting in your story, we would have no problem with that and appreciate you