Rachel Maddow Takes on Her Own Network, Calls Out MSNBC Over Firing of Non-White Hosts

In a bold and unprecedented move, Rachel Maddow, MSNBC’s highest-rated anchor and a towering figure in American cable news, took to the airwaves on February 24, 2025, to deliver a scathing critique of her own network’s decision to cancel the shows of its only two non-white primetime hosts, Joy Reid and Alex Wagner. During a four-minute monologue on The Rachel Maddow Show, she expressed dismay, calling the decision “indefensible” and “unnerving,” particularly in light of the network’s diversity challenges. “I will tell you it is also unnerving to see that on a network where we’ve got two—count them, 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 stated, her voice trembling with emotion. The remarks, which also criticized the network’s treatment of behind-the-scenes staff, sparked a firestorm of reactions and fueled rumors that Maddow, frustrated with MSNBC’s direction, might be planning to launch her own independent news network to reclaim editorial control and champion diverse voices.

Maddow’s critique came in the wake of a major programming overhaul at MSNBC, led by new president Rebecca Kutler, as the network grappled with a 53% drop in primetime viewership following Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024. The cancellations of The ReidOut with Joy Reid and Alex Wagner Tonight were part of a broader restructuring, with Jen Psaki, former Biden White House press secretary, set to take over the 9 p.m. slot Tuesday through Friday after Maddow’s temporary five-night-a-week stint covering Trump’s first 100 days ends on April 21, 2025. Reid, the first Black woman to anchor a primetime news show at MSNBC, aired her final episode on February 24, 2025, while Wagner, who is of Asian descent, was demoted to a senior political analyst role. Katie Phang, a Korean-American weekend host, was also reassigned as a legal correspondent, further highlighting the loss of minority representation in key slots. Maddow’s pointed remarks underscored her belief that these changes undermined the network’s commitment to diversity, stating, “That feels worse than bad, no matter who replaces them. That feels indefensible, and I do not defend it.”

The emotional weight of Maddow’s monologue was amplified by her personal tribute to Reid, whom she described as a colleague for whom she had “more affection and more respect” than anyone in her career. “I think it is a bad mistake to let her walk out the door,” she said, emphasizing the loss of Reid’s unique perspective and journalistic contributions. Maddow also criticized the network’s handling of staff, noting that dozens of producers, including those working on her own show, were being asked to reapply for new roles or face layoffs—a process she called “inefficient” and “unnecessary.” This unprecedented shakeup, affecting shared staff across her show and Wagner’s, was described as a blow to morale, with Maddow arguing it made MSNBC feel like “not a good place to work.” Her remarks resonated widely, with supporters like former DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison praising her courage on X, while critics, including conservative commentators, mocked her for challenging her employer on air.

Amid the controversy, rumors surfaced that Maddow, frustrated with corporate constraints, was exploring the launch of an independent news network. Posts on X and various websites in June 2025 claimed she was in “secret talks” with investors to create a platform free from corporate oversight, promising “full editorial freedom, no sponsors to appease, and zero censorship.” However, Snopes debunked these claims as false, noting that the sources were clickbait websites lacking credible evidence. Despite the rumors being unverified, they gained traction due to Maddow’s high profile and her history of pushing boundaries, from her award-winning podcasts like Ultra to her bestselling book Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism. Her influence, bolstered by a reported $25 million annual salary and a unique position at MSNBC, has made her a pivotal figure in progressive media, amplifying speculation about her next move.

The fallout from Maddow’s critique has raised broader questions about MSNBC’s future as it prepares to split from NBCUniversal into a new entity dubbed “SpinCo.” The network’s ratings struggles, coupled with industry-wide challenges—15,000 media jobs were cut in 2024—have intensified scrutiny of its programming decisions. Maddow’s return to a one-day-a-week schedule after April 2025, despite her show’s strong performance (averaging 1.89 million viewers in 2025), has sparked debate about her commitment and the network’s reliance on her star power. Critics on X suggested she resign to maintain credibility, with some calling for a “true progressive network,” while others saw her remarks as hypocritical given her privileged position.

Maddow’s defiance underscores her reputation as a fearless commentator, unafraid to challenge authority even at personal risk. Her critique not only highlighted issues of diversity and workplace fairness but also reignited discussions about the role of progressive media in a polarized landscape. As MSNBC navigates its transition, Maddow’s influence remains undeniable, leaving open the question of whether she will stay to shape its future or pursue a new path to amplify underrepresented voices.