MSNBC has announced a significant programming overhaul, leading to the cancellation of Joy Reid's nightly show, "The Reidout." The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some conservatives celebrating while liberals express criticism. The network's decision comes after Reid's show garnered attention, sometimes controversially, for her commentary on political figures, particularly former President Trump and his supporters.
Reid's 7 p.m. ET slot will now be filled by a panel program featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend (former spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris), Alicia Menendez, and former RNC Chair Michael Steele. This shift to a panel format has drawn skepticism from some, including former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who questioned the effectiveness of such programs in primetime cable news. Olbermann also criticized the network more broadly, suggesting that other issues, such as host Joe Scarborough, need addressing for MSNBC to truly recover. He argued that rotating shows wouldn't solve fundamental problems.
The cancellation has ignited debate on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. While some celebrated the news, citing Reid's past comments and on-air style, others criticized the decision, suggesting it reflected a bias against Black women in media. Liberal commentators like Wajahat Ali and Dean Obeidallah expressed concerns, while Danielle Moodie, host of "The New Abnormal" podcast, directly criticized MSNBC for its pattern of cancelling Black women-led shows during programming shakeups.
Conversely, some figures like NewsNation's Kurt Bardella praised Reid's contributions to MSNBC and her support of diverse voices in the media. He expressed confidence in her future impact, regardless of her next venture.
Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann criticized the network's decision and suggested other internal issues needed addressing. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC NewsWire)
