Rachel Maddow publicly expressed her discontent with MSNBC’s decision to cancel Joy Reid’s show, "The ReidOut," during a segment on her own program. The announcement of Reid’s show ending this month has sparked significant discussion, particularly regarding the implications of the network’s choice to terminate programs hosted by nonwhite anchors.
Maddow described the decision as “very, very, very hard to take,” emphasizing her deep respect and affection for Reid, whom she has worked alongside for years. "In all of the jobs I have had, in all of the years I have been alive, there is no colleague for whom I have had more affection and more respect than Joy Reid,” Maddow stated. She lamented the loss of Reid as a colleague, asserting that letting her go was a “bad mistake” and expressing her desire for Reid to remain at the network.
The cancellation of "The ReidOut," which aired at 7 p.m., was announced on Sunday, with Maddow’s comments following shortly thereafter. She highlighted the unsettling nature of the decision, particularly noting that it involved the removal of shows hosted by two nonwhite anchors. "That feels worse than bad, no matter who replaces them," Maddow remarked, adding that such actions are “indefensible” and should not be defended.
While Maddow’s criticisms were pointed, it is worth noting that the time slot previously occupied by Reid will be filled by current weekend hosts Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, two of whom are black and one Latina. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the discussion about representation on the network.
Reid herself responded to the news during a podcast interview, asserting that she does not regret the controversial statements she has made on her show, including her views on issues such as Black Lives Matter and immigration. "I am not sorry that I stood up for those things because those things are of God,” she declared.
The cancellation of Reid’s show and the subsequent reactions from Maddow and Reid highlight ongoing conversations about diversity and representation in media, particularly within networks that aim to reflect a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives.