MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, is rapidly strategizing the network’s future, especially as it prepares to separate from NBCUniversal and Comcast. Since her appointment in February, Kutler is exploring ways to enhance the visibility of on-air talent, particularly Jen Psaki, who currently hosts programs on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings. Additionally, she is looking closely at the trio leading the Saturday and Sunday morning roundtable show, “The Weekend,” comprised of Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele.
Although MSNBC has not provided comments from Kutler regarding these potential changes, there are indications that she is eager to steer the network during a pivotal time. The impending split from Comcast will likely present challenges, as MSNBC must adapt to operating independently from NBC News’ resources. Currently, traditional news anchors like Katy Tur and Chris Jansing handle much of the weekday programming, which tends to be less opinion-focused than the primetime segments. Recently, veteran anchor Andrea Mitchell signed off her long-running noon hour show, leaving a void that has yet to be officially filled.
Kutler’s plans may involve reassessing how daytime hours are utilized. She is reportedly searching for new Washington correspondents and a bureau chief, with discussions ongoing about recruiting journalists from notable publications like The Washington Post and Politico, as well as promoting existing MSNBC contributors to anchoring roles.
In addition to these changes, MSNBC faces significant audience retention challenges. Projections indicate that the network may lose around 10.5% of its viewers by the end of 2025, reflecting similar trends experienced by competitors like Fox News and CNN. Such declines could see MSNBC’s average audience drop to approximately 61.3 million, down from 68.5 million in 2023, even amid an election year that traditionally boosts viewership.
Following the 2024 presidential election, MSNBC aims to regain its audience. The network, along with CNN, experienced a notable drop-off as Donald Trump reclaimed the national spotlight. Recent program adjustments include Rachel Maddow returning to the weekday lineup at 9 p.m. after her previous limited schedule. However, it’s expected that her intensified presence will only be temporary, as she may revert to a less frequent hosting role after the early days of Trump’s presidency.
Kutler has a vested interest in both Psaki’s program and “The Weekend,” as she played a significant role in their development. Notably, “The Weekend” has seen a surge in viewership since its January 2024 launch. Given the direction Kutler is taking, it seems clear that MSNBC intends to maintain its progressive orientation rather than shifting toward a more centrist stance. However, increasing airtime for these specific shows could necessitate scaling back other programming, presenting Kutler with complex decisions to navigate.
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MSNBC Poised to Expand Screen Time for Jen Psaki, ‘Weekend’ Trio