Cancel Culture: Reid Staffers Have Tense Meeting With Kutler

In a significant shift for MSNBC, Joy Reid’s weeknight news program, “The ReidOut,” is set to conclude as part of an extensive programming restructuring led by the network’s newly appointed president, Rebecca Kutler. Two sources familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the final episode of Reid’s 7 p.m. ET show is slated to air sometime this week, marking the end of its five-year run. Launched in 2020, “The ReidOut” has been a staple of MSNBC’s evening lineup, known for its incisive interviews with political figures, thought leaders, and other prominent newsmakers.

The cancellation of Reid’s show is just one piece of a larger puzzle being assembled by Kutler, who assumed the presidency of MSNBC earlier this month. Tasked with revitalizing the network’s ratings, which have consistently trailed behind Fox News despite surpassing CNN in recent years, Kutler is wasting no time in reshaping the channel’s identity. 

Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, Symone Sanders Townsend

Replacing “The ReidOut” will be a new program featuring a trio of familiar faces: Symone Sanders Townsend, a seasoned political commentator and ex-Democratic strategist; Michael Steele, former chairman of the Republican National Committee; and Alicia Menendez, a well-regarded television journalist. The three currently helm “The Weekend,” a Saturday and Sunday morning show, and their transition to a weeknight slot signals MSNBC’s intent to leverage their chemistry and diverse perspectives to capture a broader audience.

This overhaul comes as MSNBC seeks to adapt to a shifting media landscape and maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive cable news market. Kutler’s appointment followed months of speculation about the network’s direction, and her initial moves suggest a bold strategy to refresh its programming slate. While “The ReidOut” has enjoyed a loyal following, its cancellation reflects a willingness to take risks in pursuit of higher viewership and a reinvigorated brand.

Beyond Reid’s exit, additional changes are on the horizon. Rachel Maddow, MSNBC’s marquee star and the host of “The Rachel Maddow Show” at 9 p.m., returned to a full five-night schedule in January to cover the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Previously, Maddow had scaled back to hosting only on Mondays, with Alex Wagner filling the 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday. At the time, MSNBC indicated Wagner would reclaim her position by late April. 

However, the latest plans diverge from that timeline. According to the two sources, Wagner’s tenure in the 9 p.m. slot is now in question, with the network eyeing a permanent replacement. Among the leading contenders is Jen Psaki, the former Biden White House press secretary turned MSNBC host. Psaki currently anchors a Sunday noon show and a Monday 8 p.m. program, and her political pedigree and on-air poise make her a strong candidate for the high-profile slot, though the sources cautioned that no final decision has been made.

The sweeping changes underscore Kutler’s aggressive approach to repositioning MSNBC. With Fox News maintaining its dominance and CNN undergoing its own transformations, MSNBC is betting on a blend of fresh faces and strategic scheduling to close the gap. For Joy Reid, whose tenure at MSNBC has been marked by provocative commentary and a distinctive voice in progressive media, the cancellation of “The ReidOut” closes one chapter but leaves open the possibility of future roles within the network or beyond.

The news leaked to the press before staff were informed, prompting network chief Rebecca Kutler to hold an impromptu meeting Sunday filled with frustration, disbelief, and raw emotions, reported media journalist Oliver Darcy's Status newsletter. The entire "ReidOut" staff will be laid off, with changes effective in April, and a similar tense meeting was held with Alex Wagner's team. Kutler announced over 100 new roles will be posted, encouraging affected staff to apply. Reid may host a final show, pending her response, as part of broader programming changes to be detailed Monday. "The ReidOut" will be replaced by a new show with "The Weekend" anchors, while Wagner will shift to a correspondent role. Kutler denied Trump’s re-election influenced the data-driven strategy to position MSNBC for the future.

Reid, a prominent MSNBC anchor, took over the 7 p.m. slot in 2020 after hosting “AM Joy” since 2016. Her evening news role was among Cesar Conde’s first big moves as NBCUniversal News Group chairman. Now, Comcast, NBCUniversal’s parent, is spinning off MSNBC into a new company with CNBC and USA Network, led by Mark Lazarus. While briefed on changes, Lazarus didn’t handle the programming these overhaul details.

Kutler, who officially became the president of MSNBC on February 12, was hired in 2022 by former MSNBC president Rashida Jones. Kutler previously spent 20 years at CNN.  She is tasked with steering MSNBC amid a corporate spinoff from cable giant Comcast.

“In the short time that Rebecca was the interim president, it became clear to me that she has the big-picture strategic view and the right leadership skills to ensure MSNBC delivers on its brand promise and is positioned for growth during a time of industry change,” said Lazarus, CEO of SpinCo (the company which now owns MSNBC), when naming Kutler president in February.