Upcoming changes in MSNBC’s lineup are expected to impact primetime, dayside, and weekend shows. Rebecca Kutler, recently appointed as MSNBC’s president, is set to make some significant changes including cancelations, elevations, and new additions, according to sources. These changes will mark Kutler’s first moves since taking on this role.
One of the anticipated changes includes the cancelation of Joy Reid’s 7 p.m. show, with a panel show featuring the co-hosts of MSNBC’s The Weekend morning program: Symone Sanders, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez slated to replace it.
In primetime, there are expectations for Jen Psaki to receive additional hours during the week. Rachel Maddow, currently hosting at 9 p.m. daily, is expected to transition to a one day per week schedule in April, potentially opening up the slot for Psaki. Alex Wagner, who previously hosted in Maddow’s absence, is expected to remain with MSNBC as a correspondent.
Eugene Daniels from Politico and NYU’s Melissa Murray are reportedly in line to receive their own shows or roles at the channel, as per The New York Times. Additionally, Kutler is in the process of hiring key positions such as head of talent, head of newsgathering, a Washington bureau chief, and a head of content strategy to prepare for MSNBC’s inclusion in Comcast’s cable channels spin-off.
Post-separation from NBC News, MSNBC will need to establish its own newsgathering capabilities. Kutler emphasized the importance of this transition in a recent staff meeting, highlighting the opportunities that lie ahead in building a new and tailored news organization under the new leadership and structure.
