MSNBC is gearing up for major changes in its evening line-up, with Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele expected to take over the 7 p.m. weekday slot. This move will have Joy Reid, the current anchor at 7 p.m., hosting her last show on MSNBC this week. Additionally, Alex Wagner is anticipated to become a contributor, with Jen Psaki possibly taking over one of the hours. The network is also in talks with Eugene Daniels and Melissa Murray to join in unspecified capacities.
Rebecca Kutler, the new president of MSNBC, is leading these changes as the network faces unique challenges, including pressure from the Trump White House and being spun off into a new publicly-traded company. Kutler aims to build an independent newsgathering apparatus for MSNBC, launching a separate Washington bureau and adding a new roster of correspondents while maintaining the network’s progressive leanings.
MSNBC, like other cable networks, is facing business challenges with a projected loss of subscribers. Kutler’s plans include hiring a new head of talent, Washington bureau chief, and head of content strategy. Despite these challenges, MSNBC has seen a surge in viewership since the 2024 presidential election, with Rachel Maddow returning to hosting the 9 p.m. hour Monday through Friday. The network’s weekend show, “The Weekend,” led by Sanders-Townsend, Menendez, and Steele, has seen improved audience numbers.
Kutler may have more changes in store for MSNBC’s daytime and weekend schedule, with the departure of long-time anchor Andrea Mitchell. Staffers are waiting to see if the daytime anchors affiliated with NBC News will stay with MSNBC. As MSNBC navigates these changes, viewers can expect a revamped line-up and a continued commitment to progressive news coverage.
