MSNBC cancels Joy Reid’s evening show as part of a major programming shakeup | CNN Business

CNN - Feb 23rd, 2025

Joy Reid is set to host her final episode of 'The ReidOut' on MSNBC this week, marking a significant programming shakeup initiated by the network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler. 'The ReidOut,' which has been airing at 7 p.m. ET since 2020, will be replaced by co-hosts from 'The Weekend,' including Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. This change is part of a broader strategy by Kutler, who has assumed leadership of the network amid a corporate spinoff from Comcast. The immediate impact includes shifting viewership dynamics, with 'The Weekend' having improved its time slot ratings by 35%.

Despite this change, MSNBC continues to cater to a progressive audience, especially with President Donald Trump’s re-election, which has boosted MSNBC’s primetime viewership by 77%. Additional shifts include Alex Wagner stepping away from her primetime slot and Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, potentially taking a 9 p.m. ET timeslot. Kutler plans to introduce more programming changes, possibly involving new recruits like Politico’s Eugene Daniels and NYU law professor Melissa Murray. These changes signify MSNBC’s strategic repositioning under Kutler’s leadership to adapt to industry changes and maintain its brand promise during a politically charged climate.

Donald Trump Msnbc Joy Reid Rebecca Kutler The Reid Out Symone Sanders Townsend Michael Steele Alicia Menendez Jen Psaki Alex Wagner Media Strategy Broadcasting Changes

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and clear overview of significant programming changes at MSNBC, focusing on the departure of Joy Reid and the introduction of new hosts. While it presents accurate information, the reliance on unnamed sources and lack of detailed verification for certain claims affect its credibility. The story is well-structured and easy to read, but it could benefit from greater transparency and a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and engagement. Overall, the article is informative for those interested in media trends but could be improved with more comprehensive analysis and source disclosure.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that are generally accurate but require verification. For instance, the claim that Joy Reid will host her final show as part of programming changes aligns with recent reports, but specifics about the timing and her future plans need confirmation. The assertion that 'The Weekend' improved viewership by 35% is precise but demands supporting data from Nielsen ratings. Additionally, the increase in MSNBC's viewership since Trump's inauguration is a significant claim that needs data verification. Overall, the story is largely truthful but lacks precise source support for some claims.

Balance

The article provides a balanced overview of MSNBC's programming changes, mentioning both the outgoing and incoming hosts. However, it predominantly focuses on the network's internal changes without exploring external perspectives or potential viewer reactions. The article could benefit from including viewpoints from media analysts or audience feedback to provide a more comprehensive picture of the impact of these changes.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the story could improve by providing more context around key changes, such as the significance of the programming shifts and how they align with MSNBC's strategic goals. Despite this, the article successfully conveys the main points without ambiguity.

Source quality

The story primarily cites unnamed sources familiar with the matter, which raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the information. While CNN is mentioned as a contributor, the lack of direct quotes or named sources diminishes the authority of the claims. The reliance on anonymous sources, although common in media reporting, affects the perceived impartiality and credibility of the article.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the methodology behind the claims. For example, it does not explain how viewership percentages were calculated or provide context for the corporate spinoff from Comcast. The absence of detailed explanations about the sources and potential conflicts of interest limits the reader's ability to fully understand the basis of the claims and evaluate their impartiality.