MSNBC host Rachel Maddow took aim at her own network on Monday night, slamming the decision to cancel Joy Reid’s show The ReidOut and the programs of other non-white hosts as part of a major cable shakeup. During her monologue, Maddow called Reid’s departure a “bad mistake” and passionately defended the network’s diversity, both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Maddow’s Emotional Defense of Joy Reid

Maddow, who is one of the network’s most high-profile anchors, made no attempt to conceal her dismay at the changes, particularly the removal of Reid, a prominent voice in MSNBC’s primetime lineup. “I love everything about her. I have learned so much from her. I have so much more to learn from her,” Maddow said of Reid, visibly upset. “I do not want to lose her as a colleague here at MSNBC. Personally, I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door. It is not my call, and I understand that. But that’s what I think.”

Reid’s departure was highlighted in the final episode of The ReidOut, which aired Monday evening. During the broadcast, Reid received a heartfelt sendoff from her colleagues, including Maddow, who praised her contributions to MSNBC.

The Broader Shake-Up and Staff Concerns

Reid’s exit is just one of several high-profile changes to MSNBC’s programming, part of a broader reorganization under new president Rebecca Kutler. As part of the restructuring, Alex Wagner’s primetime slot (previously a substitute for Maddow’s reduced schedule) was replaced by former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Wagner and Reid’s departures have raised concerns about diversity at the network, as both hosts are non-white.

In her monologue, Maddow raised the issue of diversity in MSNBC’s primetime programming, noting that two prominent non-white hosts, Reid and Wagner, were both being moved off-air. “It is also unnerving to see on a network where we’ve got two, count ‘em, two non-white hosts in primetime, both of our non-white hosts in primetime are losing their shows, as is Katie Phang on the weekend,” Maddow said. “And that feels worse than bad no matter who replaces them, that feels indefensible and I do not defend it.”

Wagner, who is of Burmese descent, and Phang, of South Korean heritage, will remain with MSNBC in different roles, but their shift off primetime has led to frustration within the network, particularly among staffers who see the changes as a step backward in the network’s commitment to diversity.

Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil

The fallout from the programming changes has not been limited to on-screen talent. Maddow also expressed concern for the network’s behind-the-scenes staffers, many of whom were blindsided by the programming overhaul. In a pointed criticism of the new leadership under Kutler, Maddow described how dozens of producers and staff members were being forced to reapply for their positions.

“They’re being invited to reapply for new jobs— that has never happened at this scale, in this way before when it comes to programming changes,” Maddow said. “It’s inefficient and unnecessary, and it kind of drops the bottom out of whether or not people feel like this is a good place to work.”

This move is especially concerning to staff, who see it as a lack of respect for long-standing contributors. Maddow’s comments highlighted how this approach undermines morale and creates a sense of insecurity among employees who’ve invested years of work at the network.

The Changing Face of MSNBC: Diversity and Future Programming

The restructuring also involves the cancellation of weekend shows hosted by other non-white personalities, including Michael Steele and Symone Sanders-Townsend, who are expected to take over The ReidOut slot. This shift has led to a perception that MSNBC is recalibrating its programming to better reflect a broader range of political opinions, including conservative viewpoints. This pivot, while potentially aiming to appeal to a more diverse audience, has ignited debates about the network’s commitment to diversity, especially in a landscape that is increasingly scrutinizing media outlets’ representation of minority voices.

Maddow’s criticism adds a layer of complexity to the network’s already rocky changes. While some of the new programming, such as Jen Psaki’s new show, may be seen as a move toward offering a broader ideological range, the move could alienate loyal MSNBC viewers who value the network’s commitment to progressive voices.

The Future of MSNBC: What Lies Ahead?

The shake-up at MSNBC is indicative of the growing pressures media networks face in adapting to an increasingly competitive and polarized media landscape. As traditional cable networks continue to struggle with declining viewership and growing competition from digital platforms, networks like MSNBC are attempting to shift their strategies, but at the cost of alienating some of their core audience.

While it’s still unclear how these changes will affect MSNBC’s long-term viability, the network’s response to its talent turnover and the growing concerns about diversity will likely shape its future. The tensions between maintaining its identity as a progressive network and attempting to broaden its appeal are at the heart of the changes—and the fallout from the controversy surrounding Reid’s exit is a powerful reminder that the struggle for diversity, inclusion, and journalistic integrity remains a critical issue.

Conclusion: Maddow’s Bold Stand

Rachel Maddow’s emotional defense of Joy Reid, as well as her broader criticism of the changes at MSNBC, reflects not only her concern for the network’s future but also her deep commitment to its foundational principles. By speaking out against the removal of non-white hosts and the uncertainty faced by behind-the-scenes staffers, Maddow has set the stage for continued discussions about how media networks balance diversity, representation, and programming strategy in today’s evolving media environment.

With the dust still settling from the controversy, it’s clear that MSNBC’s leadership will have to address these concerns head-on. As the network attempts to recalibrate its brand for a new generation of viewers, the questions raised by Maddow’s critique will undoubtedly continue to reverberate through the media landscape.