An inadvertent leak at MSNBC revealed plans for significant layoffs affecting various high-profile shows and personalities, causing widespread unrest within the organization.
According to the New York Post, A printed "kill list" detailing these layoffs was discovered at MSNBC’s headquarters just before the planned announcements.
The document revealing the layoffs was found by a production assistant at the network's 30 Rock headquarters in Manhattan. It included the names of affected employees and detailed discussions planned for Monday, February 24. This list outlined major changes, impacting about 100 staff members and noted programs like "The Rachel Maddow Show."
High-profile hosts such as Alex Wagner, Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and others were also mentioned in the leaked document, indicating a broad restructuring. Sources close to the situation expressed shock, noting, “Entire teams in primetime learned that they were getting fired from a printout that a PA found sitting on a printer."
Following the layoff announcements, MSNBC immediately posted 100 new job listings, signaling a substantial turnover. These positions were slated to be filled by April 7, with new hires starting just a week later on April 14.
Amid the layoffs, there were continuous meetings involving the top brass at MSNBC and NBCUniversal, including NBC News Group chairman Cesar Conde and NBCUniversal chair Mark Lazarus. The leaked document also contained a pre-prepared script for discussing the layoffs, indicating meticulous planning that went askew with the leak.
While the layoffs were seen as a strategic repositioning, how they were disclosed led to considerable upset within the network. A source remarked, “On Monday, management accidentally printed the list of people and teams getting fired or being made to reapply for their roles.” This has raised questions about internal communication and security protocols.
One of the more shocking elements of the layoffs was the dismissal of Joy Reid, whose departure was leaked a day before the official announcement by a New York Times report. Conversations around the layoffs included efforts by Rachel Maddow to shield Reid, though these ultimately proved unsuccessful. “Rachel made this big play to try and protect Joy, but then Rebecca fired her anyway,” a source disclosed.
These layoffs are part of a broader plan by MSNBC’s parent company, Comcast, to spin off MSNBC and other cable properties into a new entity, known as SpinCo. This strategic decision is intended to streamline operations and focus on core business areas, with Mark Lazarus at the helm of the new entity.
New MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, recently appointed following Rashida Jones's departure, faced the unenviable task of overseeing this delicate transition. A source discussing her role said, “She was dealt a tough hand in essentially having to build out a new company with all of the changes.” Kutler’s involvement in the layoffs, particularly the high-profile exits, has placed her at the center of the network’s transformative efforts.
The initial reaction to the layoff news internally was one of frustration and dismay, particularly due to the accidental nature of the leak. Management was reportedly frustrated, yet some talent were advised to remain calm, as expressed in a conversation overheard, “Management was pissed and talent was like, 'relax Rachel.'”
The broad organizational changes at MSNBC represent a significant shift in the cable news landscape, likely influencing programming and potentially altering the network’s editorial direction. As the new hires begin their roles in mid-April, all eyes will be on how these changes affect the network’s operations and content.
Overall, the disclosure of the layoff plans at MSNBC serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the media industry, where changes can be both rapid and jarring. As MSNBC navigates these tumultuous waters, the strategies employed will undoubtedly serve as a case study for media management and corporate restructuring in the future.
