Rachel Maddow has openly criticized MSNBC's decision to terminate Joy Reid and other non-white hosts, pointing to potential racial motivations behind the changes.
According to the Daily Mail, Rachel Maddow addressed the issue live on MSNBC amid significant network restructuring.
During a recent episode, Maddow publicly expressed her discontent with the firings, highlighting the racial aspects of the decision. Maddow, who recently secured a $25 million per year contract with the network for hosting just one show a week, labeled the network's move as a "bad mistake."
Social media response to Maddow's comments was swift and critical. Users on Bluesky accused her of hypocrisy, given her high salary and limited hosting duties, and challenged her to resign in solidarity with Reid and the other removed hosts.
Bluesky users voiced their discontent prominently. One user challenged, "Rachel Maddow will have to resign from MSNBC (and leave $ on the table)" if genuinely opposed to the firings. Another remarked, "So, resign if you're so outraged," questioning her commitment to the cause.
The controversy arises amidst MSNBC's broader programming overhaul, led by new president Rebecca Kutler. The fired hosts include Joy Reid, Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart, and Ayman Mohyeldin, all of whom are of diverse backgrounds.
While Capehart and Phang will remain at MSNBC in reduced capacities, Mohyeldin was scheduled to host his final show on April 20. This staffing shift is part of a wave of layoffs affecting 125 producers, with plans to rehire 110 of them under the new structure.
Following her dismissal, Joy Reid spoke on the "Win With Black Women" podcast via a Zoom call. Reid stated, "I’m not sorry. I am not sorry that I stood up for those things because those things are of God," referring to her outspoken approach on various social issues.
Reid also addressed her coverage of contentious issues like the situation in Gaza, affirming her right to voice objections. She expressed a profound sense of gratitude for the support she received and the impact of her show, "The ReidOut," which saw its viewership decline from nearly 3 million viewers to about 778,000 following the election cycle.
The revision in MSNBC's programming intends to satisfy corporate desires for a more politically balanced lineup, prompted by parent company Spanco's push for more Republican voices.
Commentary from the progressive community includes statements from a liberal onlooker who doubts Maddow's ability to "maintain credibility" under these circumstances. Another suggested Maddow should spearhead the creation of a "true progressive network," arguing that "America needs new media channels and she is the star."
Despite the upheaval, Kutler remains focused on maintaining MSNBC's progressive identity while seeking less controversial figures to broaden its appeal and stabilize viewership.
The incident raises fundamental questions regarding corporate control over media narratives and the real extents of solidarity among high-profile personalities in the industry. As this story unfolds, the public and professional realms alike await further developments and reactions, particularly from Maddow, amidst calls for her resignation.
