MSNBC is preparing for a significant reshuffle in its evening programming lineup, introducing new hosts in key slots that will alter the viewing experience for loyal fans of the network.
Sources indicate that Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele are set to take over the 7 p.m. weekday slot from Tuesday to Friday, while on Mondays, they will expand their presence to a two-hour show from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This change will affect Joy Reid, who currently hosts the 7 p.m. segment and is anticipated to conclude her tenure on MSNBC with her final show this week.
Additionally, Alex Wagner, who has primarily anchored the 9 p.m. timeslot except for Mondays, is expected to transition into a contributor role, as discussions surrounding her future evolve. Having served as a correspondent during President Trump’s initial days in office, it seems Wagner might not return to her previous weeknight position. Reports suggest that Jen Psaki could step in to cover at least one of the newly opened hours. MSNBC is also in discussions with figures like Eugene Daniels from Politico and Melissa Murray from New York University, who could potentially join the network in various roles.
While MSNBC officials declined to comment, it has been reported that these changes follow Rebecca Kutler’s appointment as the new president of MSNBC. Kutler, who was previously a senior executive at CNN, is recognized for her ability to nurture new talent and innovative programming. Taking charge at a time when the network faces unique challenges—including the dynamics of the Trump administration and the impending spin-off of NBCU cable networks into a separate publicly traded entity—Kutler acknowledged the complexities of the role in a message to employees.
Like its competitors, MSNBC is grappling with substantial business challenges, notably a forecasted loss of approximately 10.5% of its subscriber base by the end of 2025, according to estimates from Kagan. This decline comes despite an election year, a time that generally drives viewer interest in news. If projections hold true, MSNBC could see its audience fall from 68.5 million in 2023 to around 61.3 million by 2025.
Kutler has elaborated on her vision to establish an independent newsgathering capability for MSNBC, distinct from NBC News, which will cease connection after the spin-off. Her strategy includes the opening of a new Washington bureau and the recruitment of additional domestic and international correspondents, along with the appointment of new leaders for talent and content strategy. Importantly, she has expressed her intent to maintain the network’s progressive stance.
In response to the shifting landscape following the 2024 presidential election, MSNBC is actively trying to re-engage its audience after experiencing significant declines in viewership, particularly with the return of Donald Trump to public discourse. Despite an acknowledged increase in primetime ratings, the network still trails behind Fox News in overall audience numbers.
Kutler has been pivotal in the success of “The Weekend” show, featuring Sanders-Townsend, Menendez, and Steele, which has substantially improved its viewership in a competitive time slot. Jen Psaki, who joined MSNBC’s Sunday lineup in March 2023, has also gained favor among network leadership.
Looking ahead, Kutler appears poised to introduce further changes not only to the evening lineup but also to MSNBC’s daytime and weekend schedules. The network has yet to formally name a replacement for Andrea Mitchell, who recently departed after decades of anchoring a noon program, leaving employees wondering about the future of daytime anchors affiliated with NBC News.
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MSNBC Plans Evening Shake-Up, Replacing Joy Reid, Alex Wagner