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Rachel Maddow Critiques Joy Reid’s Exit from MSNBC
Rachel Maddow voiced strong disapproval regarding MSNBC’s decision to terminate Joy Reid, expressing her belief that the network made a significant error in judgment.
During the February 24 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show, the host discussed Reid’s departure shortly after she concluded her final episode of The ReidOut. Maddow described Reid’s exit as “very, very, very hard to take.”
“I hold immense affection and respect for Joy Reid,” Maddow stated. “Everything about her resonates with me. I have learned a great deal from her and still have much to gain. I genuinely do not want to lose her as a colleague at MSNBC.”
She further remarked, “In my view, it is a grave mistake to allow her to leave. Ultimately, it’s not my decision, and I recognize that, but that’s how I feel.”
This shake-up at MSNBC coincides with other significant changes, including the cancellation of Alex Wagner’s nightly prime time show, although Wagner will continue in her role as a senior political analyst.
Maddow expressed concerns about the departures of prominent non-white hosts from the network, emphasizing the unsettling nature of the situation. Alongside Reid, Katie Phang, a weekend host, is also losing her show.
As part of the reshuffling, the current hosts of The Weekend—Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez—will transition to weekdays to helm a new ensemble news hour at 7 p.m.
While Maddow assured viewers that they wouldn’t be disappointed with the new anchors, she highlighted the impact of these changes on the staff behind the scenes, stating that they are “really being put through the ringer.”
“This level of programming change has never occurred before; it’s likely due to the improper treatment of people involved, resulting in inefficiency and unnecessary turmoil,” she remarked.
On Reid’s final broadcast, she provided viewers with thoughts on how to engage in resistance amidst a “crisis of democracy.” Maddow shared her grief over the conclusion of The ReidOut, stating, “I’m utterly disheartened by its end. This moment calls for us to seek out individuals we respect, trust, and care for, and to collaborate with them towards meaningful change.”
Reid, who first launched her show in 2020, shared her emotional response to its conclusion during an emergency Win With Black Women call on February 23. She expressed experiencing a whirlwind of emotions, saying, “[I’ve felt] anger, rage, disappointment, hurt, and guilt over my team’s job losses. Ultimately, I’ve come to a place of gratitude.”
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