MSNBC has confirmed the cancellation of Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. program, The ReidOut, in a wide-ranging programming shuffle under new president Rebecca Kutler. The show, which debuted in 2020, will produce its last episode this week. The move is part of MSNBC’s bid to remake its primetime schedule and add new formats that meet evolving viewer tastes.
Joy Reid’s show became known for its political interviews in depth and critical analysis of political events. Throughout the years, she has been a strong voice for progressive causes and frequently had prominent political leaders on her program. Yet, even with its loyal following, MSNBC has made the decision to go in another direction, removing The ReidOut and replacing it with another format intended to provide different viewpoints on politics.
Neither Joy Reid nor MSNBC spokesperson Richard Hudock publicly addressed the cancellation. Yet media analysts posit that the move is part of MSNBC’s consistent drive to increase its viewership and remain competitive within the changing cable news market.
New Panel Show to Replace The ReidOut
Taking The ReidOut’s 7 p.m. slot will be a panel news program hosted by three veteran political pundits: Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. Those three currently co-host The Weekend, an MSNBC program broadcast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Symone Sanders Townsend is a former Democratic strategist and political commentator, Michael Steele is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee, and Alicia Menendez is a respected journalist. By having hosts with various political backgrounds, MSNBC hopes to produce a show that offers multiple perspectives on important national and international issues.
The change to a panel show format is part of a larger trend in news programming, as networks increasingly turn to more interactive and debate-oriented shows. With this new program, MSNBC is looking to draw a broader audience and stimulate more in-depth discussion of political issues, as opposed to relying on the views of a single host.
More Changes Coming to MSNBC
The cancellation of The ReidOut is only one of a number of shifts MSNBC is making to overhaul its primetime lineup. Among the most substantial changes is bringing Rachel Maddow back to her 9 p.m. slot five nights a week for the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. Maddow had already cut back her week to one evening a week, with Alex Wagner substituting the other evenings.
But Wagner won’t be returning in April as had been originally anticipated. There is speculation that MSNBC might choose Jen Psaki, the previous White House press secretary, as a full-time replacement for the 9 p.m. time slot. Psaki, who has a show Inside with Jen Psak on Sundays, has become popular for her quick political commentary and insider information about Washington politics.
If selected, her presence in primetime might make MSNBC more appealing to an active audience.
In addition to these primetime shifts, MSNBC is also looking at new positions for Eugene Daniels and Melissa Murray, two of the up-and-coming voices in political reporting.
These changes show that the network is not only looking at well-established personalities but also trying to bring new voices to the table in order to keep its shows fresh and interesting.
MSNBC’s Strategy to Stay Competitive
MSNBC has always beaten CNN in the ratings but still trails Fox News, the most watched cable news channel. The latest programming updates indicate MSNBC’s dedication to evolving to meet the needs of the viewers and keeping its status as a premier source for political news.
The cancelation of The ReidOut and addition of new shows are evidence of a wider industry shift where networks are reconsidering their programming approach. With the changing preferences of the audience, MSNBC is making strategic steps towards staying relevant in an ever-increasingly competitive media landscape.
Through emphasizing various perspectives, A-list political opinion, and participatory conversations, the network seeks to become more attractive and establish a firmer hold on its ratings in the long term.
