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Beyond Joy Reid: MSNBC makes major schedule changes as it prepares for NBC News split

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Big changes are afoot at MSNBC.

The Progressive News Network is discontinuing multiple programs and plans to broaden anchor rotations, gearing up for a new phase following its separation from NBC News.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m excited to share some news about my favorite channel – it seems there’s a change in the cast! On Monday, our Comcast Corp.-owned network announced that Joy Reid is moving on, and we’re welcoming a new star into the limelight. Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary under President Biden, will now grace our screens regularly during prime time. Can’t wait to see what she brings to the table!

The alterations will take place towards the end of April. These adjustments precede the strategic move to separate MSNBC into a fresh corporation along with other Comcast cable channels such as CNBC, Golf Channel, and USA Network.

The strategy aims to streamline Comcast by getting rid of underperforming entities, allowing them to concentrate more on their thriving streaming sector. This newly formed entity is now seeking potential mergers and acquisitions.

The strategy indicates that MSNBC and NBC News, entities that have shared operations since MSNBC’s establishment in 1996, will now function independently from each other.

In her recent statements, MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler revealed plans for establishing a dedicated Washington news bureau for MSNBC, as well as setting up separate studios in New York City, located outside of the NBC headquarters at Rockefeller Center.

Starting from late April, Psaki will host the 9 PM Eastern hour on Tuesdays through Fridays. “The Rachel Maddow Show,” which had been airing daily since the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, will revert to its weekly schedule that was initiated in 2022.

Psaki steps into Alex Wagner’s role at the moment, but Wagner continues working for the network as a seasoned political analyst, focusing on Sundays and Mondays.

7 p.m. Eastern will see Reid being swapped out, with Michael Steele, Symone Sanders-Townsend, and Alicia Menendez taking over as hosts, who are currently on “The Weekend” at MSNBC. The show’s new title remains undisclosed by MSNBC.

Hollywood Inc.

A significant shift towards digital media is imminent. However, the question remains whether consumers will perceive the CNN brand as valuable enough to subscribe to its online services.

Steele previously served as chair of the Republican National Committee and has been a frequent guest on MSNBC for over a decade. Sanders-Townsend was a strategist for President Biden during his tenure as vice president. Menendez is currently a political commentator, who is also the daughter of Robert Menendez, the former U.S. senator from New Jersey, recently found guilty in a corruption case.

On weekends, the show will feature different hosts and will air both in the morning and evening. In the morning, Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart will take charge, whereas Ayman Mohyeldin will lead the evening broadcast.

Over the weekends, the programs that Capehart and Mohyeldin are hosting will conclude. On the other hand, Ali Velshi’s weekend show is going to extend from a duration of two hours to three hours.

On Saturdays, the show led by legal commentator Katie Phang is concluding. However, she will continue her role as a legal analyst for MSNBC.

Jose Diaz-Balart, currently working for NBC News and Telemundo, is set to conclude his daytime news program. Starting at 10 a.m., Ana Cabrera will extend her shift, followed by Chris Jansing from noon to 2 p.m., and then Katy Tur until 4 p.m. Eastern time.

Diaz-Balart will continue as Saturday anchor of “NBC Nightly News.”

As a movie-loving critic, I’ve got to share an intriguing piece of news from the world of cable news. Despite recently renewing her contract with MSNBC, the renowned journalist Reid has decided to part ways with the network. The network remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind this departure, but it’s no secret that some Comcast executives found her forthright commentary on the Trump administration and its supporters a tad uncomfortable. It’s a fascinating turn of events in the ever-evolving landscape of news media.

For approximately ten years, Mark Lazarus served as the head at NBC Sports and NBCUniversal’s network division. Now, he’s taking the helm as CEO of a freshly established affiliate company.

As a discerning moviegoer, I must admit that Rachel Maddow, known for her progressive views among MSNBC’s lineup, stepping down doesn’t seem to signify a shift in the network’s focus. Instead, it appears they remain committed to serving their audience of progressive viewers, as hinted by an insider privy to their future strategies who requested anonymity regarding public commentary.

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2025-02-24 23:01

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