Rachel Maddow, the $25 million a year host of MSNBC, recently launched a passionate rant against her bosses regarding the firing of fellow non-white hosts, including Joy Reid.
Maddow took to the airwaves to express her shock, calling it “disturbing” that non-white primetime hosts were losing their shows.
However, her outspoken comments quickly backfired, with many on the left now calling for her to resign in solidarity.
Critics Demand Accountability from Maddow
While Maddow’s comments may have resonated with some, others on platforms like Bluesky were quick to call her out, urging her to follow through with her principles.
One user boldly suggested that Maddow, if she were truly outraged, should resign from MSNBC, leaving her multi-million-dollar contract behind.
“She won’t be able to maintain credibility on that platform,” one user remarked, questioning how she could continue to work for a network she deems problematic.
The idea of her leaving MSNBC and creating a new progressive network was floated as a potential solution.
The Controversy Surrounding Joy Reid’s Firing
Maddow’s outburst came shortly after Joy Reid’s abrupt departure from the network, alongside the loss of primetime shows for Katie Phang and Jonathan Capehart.
While both Phang and Capehart remain with MSNBC in less prominent roles, Reid’s departure has sparked significant debate.
Maddow herself criticized the network’s decision, calling it a “bad mistake” and suggesting that firing or demoting her colleagues would ultimately harm MSNBC’s reputation.
Maddow’s Salary and MSNBC’s Staffing Changes
Maddow, who hosts her show just once a week, reportedly makes $25 million annually.
This eye-popping salary has raised eyebrows, especially in light of the network’s recent layoffs, including the firing of 125 producers.
While MSNBC has pledged to rehire many of these workers, Maddow’s own role in the company’s financial structure has sparked further discussion.
Critics point out that with her significant salary, Maddow could have contributed to expanding MSNBC’s diversity and staffing needs, a notion highlighted by the media outlet Puck.
Maddow’s Viewership and Relationship with MSNBC’s Leadership
Despite being the star of MSNBC, Maddow has begun to test the patience of her bosses, according to some insiders.
Her program, The Rachel Maddow Show, consistently attracts around 2.1 million viewers a night.
However, some media figures have noted that Maddow’s rhetoric and the network’s overall direction are causing tension.
The network is now under new leadership, with CEO Rebecca Kutler aiming for a balance of left-wing commentary without alienating certain viewers.
Joy Reid’s Emotional Response to Her Firing
In the aftermath of her firing, Joy Reid spoke out about her experience on a podcast, reflecting on her decision to stand firm on divisive issues, particularly related to race and international matters like Gaza.
She expressed gratitude for her supporters but made it clear she had no regrets about her approach to broadcasting.
However, the drop in her show’s viewership over the years, including a significant decline following the 2024 election, ultimately played a part in her exit from MSNBC.
Reid’s Ratings Struggles and Shifting Viewership Trends
Reid’s show, The ReidOut, which launched in 2020, initially attracted nearly 3 million viewers during its first year.
But by 2024, viewership had dwindled to around 1.1-1.4 million, with a steep decline after the 2024 election.
The show’s sharp decline in viewership, including a 47% drop in daily viewers after the election, reflected a broader trend of declining ratings for MSNBC.
Industry Experts Weigh in on the Network’s Future
Media expert Steve Krakauer, who has worked for CNN, Fox News, and NBC, pointed out that the changing nature of viewer habits and MSNBC’s strategy have contributed to these struggles.
Krakauer, who now works on The Megyn Kelly Show, believes that the network’s resistance-focused programming may no longer align with its audience’s interests.
He also acknowledged that Joy Reid, despite her fine ratings, had become a controversial figure for MSNBC’s leadership, particularly for her outspoken views.
The Bigger Picture of MSNBC’s Changing Lineup
Sources close to the network’s management suggest that Rebecca Kutler, MSNBC’s new president, played a pivotal role in the recent programming changes.
Her leadership marks a shift towards a new direction for MSNBC, with a focus on hosts who are seen as less divisive while still maintaining the network’s left-wing identity.
This decision to overhaul the lineup, including the move away from Reid’s more racially charged commentary, seems to align with Kutler’s broader vision for the network’s future.
The Current Status of Former One-Time Stars
Since leaving MSNBC, Reid has become a point of contention for the network’s higher-ups, but the firing also signifies a larger trend within the media industry.
As MSNBC attempts to reconfigure its brand and programming, it’s clear that not every former star will fit into the new mold.
The question remains whether figures like Maddow, who remain high-profile but also divisive, will continue to be a part of the evolving landscape of American news media.