Rachel Maddow, the highly paid host of MSNBC, has come under fire from her fellow liberals after publicly criticizing the network’s decision to let go of Joy Reid and other nonwhite hosts.
The 25 million dollar-a-year star aired her frustrations on air this week, calling it “disturbing” that MSNBC was firing nonwhite primetime hosts.
However, her comments quickly sparked reactions from social media users, urging Maddow to back up her words with action and resign from the network if she truly stood by her beliefs.
Maddow’s Call for Action Faces Criticism on Social Media
Many Bluesky users were quick to call out Maddow, demanding that she either resign or risk being labeled a hypocrite.
“Rachel Maddow will have to resign from MSNBC and leave money on the table,” one user wrote, questioning her credibility on the network.
Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing frustration with Maddow’s failure to lead by example.
“Resign if you’re so outraged,” one user urged, pushing for tangible action rather than empty words.
Maddow’s On-Air Criticism of Network’s Changes Sparks Debate
Maddow’s frustration with the firings of Reid and other prominent hosts, such as Katie Phang and Jonathan Capehart, who are both of color, took center stage on her show.
Reid’s departure, in particular, was a sore point for Maddow, who publicly declared that it was a “bad mistake” for MSNBC to let her go.
While Reid, Phang, and Capehart remain with the network, they’ve been relegated to less prominent roles, which Maddow criticized as damaging to both the hosts and the network itself.
The Backlash Intensifies as Maddow’s Role at MSNBC Comes Into Question
Despite her criticism, Maddow’s massive salary has led to questions about her place at MSNBC.
Media insiders, including the influential newsletter Puck, pointed out that her $25 million contract could be used to hire more talent for the network, especially as they face layoffs and budget cuts.
The fact that Maddow has continued to rake in millions for hosting a show once a week has caused tension within the network, with some wondering if her recent remarks will push her bosses too far.
The Debate Over Diversity and MSNBC’s Direction
The issue of diversity in MSNBC’s lineup has become a hot topic following the changes made by the network.
While Maddow focused on the firings, she failed to acknowledge that Reid’s replacement is part of a diverse trio, including Symone Sanders, an African American, and Alicia Menendez, who is Hispanic.
Some critics felt that Maddow’s stance ignored the progress the network was trying to make in terms of ethnic representation.
MSNBC’s Ratings Decline and the Strain on Reid’s Show
Meanwhile, the reason behind Reid’s firing appears to be linked to her show’s declining viewership.
From its peak, The ReidOut saw a significant drop in viewers, especially after the 2024 election.
Although the show initially attracted nearly 3 million viewers during its first year, by the following year, those numbers had fallen to around 759,000 daily viewers, reflecting a 47 percent decrease.
Media experts, including Steve Krakauer, have noted that the anti-Trump rhetoric may have alienated some viewers, contributing to the ratings slump.
Reid’s Emotional Response to Her Firing Highlights Her Commitment to Her Principles
Joy Reid herself responded to her firing with a passionate defense of her principles, particularly her commitment to discussing race and controversial political issues.
In an emotional Zoom call with the Win With Black Women podcast, Reid explained that she was “not sorry” for speaking out on issues like Gaza and the treatment of children in conflict zones.
Despite the setback, Reid expressed gratitude for her time at MSNBC and the support she received from her audience.
Maddow’s Relationship with MSNBC and Her Future at the Network
Maddow, who signed a lucrative deal to host The Rachel Maddow Show only once a week, has been a fixture at MSNBC since 2008.
Her show has maintained impressive ratings, with an average viewership of 2.1 million per night.
However, her relationship with MSNBC’s leadership has been under scrutiny, especially in light of her recent comments about the network’s decisions.
Some speculate that her outspoken criticism may lead to further tensions with the network, which is trying to pivot to a more moderate approach to attract a broader audience.
The Network’s Push for a New Direction and Its Impact on Hosts
CEO Rebecca Kutler has reportedly been pushing for a change in MSNBC’s approach, seeking hosts who can maintain the network’s left-wing identity without alienating viewers.
This shift in strategy appears to have played a role in the firing of Reid and the reshuffling of other hosts.
Insiders close to the network have noted that Reid’s brand of progressivism, especially her focus on racial issues, became too controversial for MSNBC, which is now looking to appeal to a wider, less polarized audience.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Maddow and MSNBC’s Future
As MSNBC continues to evolve, the future of its programming and hosts like Maddow remains uncertain.
While Maddow’s comments have sparked debates about her credibility and her role at the network, it’s clear that the tension between the network’s leadership and its star host is far from over.
The path forward for both Maddow and MSNBC may depend on how they navigate these shifting dynamics and the expectations of their audience.