[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition to tell MSNBC: DO NOT remove Joy Reid from prime
time!
Dear MoveOn member,
In a move that fellow network host Rachel Maddow called "indefensible,"
MSNBC announced this week that it was cancelling Joy Reid's primetime
show, "The ReidOut."^1 Reid has been a loud and vocal critic of Donald
Trump and his administration. We need Reid's political analysis now as
much as ever. We can't sit back while prominent voices like hers are
removed from the air.
[ [link removed] ]Will you sign the petition NOW to demand MSNBC reverse this unpopular
decision?
The cancellation of "The ReidOut" comes at a concerning time as the Trump
administration ramps up its attacks on media outlets that criticize Trump
and Elon Musk. It's no surprise that Trump wasted no time following
MSNBC's announcement to denigrate Reid and the network on social
media.^2 Trump has previously threatened Comcast, NBC Universal's parent
company, accusing them of bias and warning that he will direct the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to investigate.^3 MSNBC's decision was
made in a political climate that is deeply hostile to journalists,
reporters, and analysts speaking out against Trump, and it contributes to
the chilling effect we're seeing across the industry.
MSNBC firing Reid—who made history as its first primetime Black female
anchor and is one of the most prominent Black political commentators—also
coincides with Trump's abuse of power eradicating diversity, equity, and
inclusion efforts across the country. While Trump targets and dismantles
programs like affirmative action that work to level the playing field,
Reid has talked openly about how those same efforts supported her in her
career and their importance more broadly.^4 That's why Reid is such a
threat to Trumpism—she's willing to use her platform to amplify the
stories and experiences that Trump is trying to stifle.
As the Trump administration attacks communities of color, we are calling
on MSNBC to be firm in their support of their Black news anchors. We need
diverse perspectives, analysis, and expertise—always, and especially
during this second Trump administration.
[ [link removed] ]Tell MSNBC that its viewers value diversity and demand they bring back
Joy Reid to prime time!
We need to be louder than Donald Trump and conservatives who are attacking
prominent political commentators like Joy Reid. Add your name to show your
support for Reid and demand MSNBC keep her on air!
[4]Sign the petition
"The ReidOut" has been on air since 2020, and, while it has faced some
valid criticism over the years, its abrupt ending is a disappointment to
viewers who have looked to the show for its cutting interviews and
relevant coverage. MSNBC also announced the cancellation of "The Katie
Phang Show" and "José Díaz-Balart Reports," though Phang and Díaz-Balart
will stay with the network.^5 Fellow MSNBC host Rachel Maddow spoke out
against the decision, calling it a "bad mistake" and criticizing the
network for removing the only two primetime shows hosted by anchors of
color.^6
Reid's spot will be replaced by "The Weekend" anchors Symone Sanders
Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez.^7 We welcome their
perspectives and new show to prime time, but we refuse to accept a
scarcity narrative that offers a false choice to viewers, especially when
MSNBC has been repeatedly called out for its limited racial diversity.^8,9
[ [link removed] ]Together, we can urge MSNBC to reverse its decision and reinstate "The
ReidOut" immediately!
Two large digital organizing groups, Win With Black Women and We Win With
Black Men, swiftly organized support for Reid following MSNBC's
announcement and have been rallying against the decision. "When we don't
speak up in these moments we continue to allow the line to be moved," said
organizer Rashad Robinson.^10 But we have to keep the pressure on MSNBC to
make sure that its executives hear our concerns and take action.
With more than a million viewers, MSNBC is one of the top trusted sources
for news. We need them to do better and commit to amplifying diverse
journalists and anchors, and investing in their shows.
[ [link removed] ]Click here to demand MSNBC bring back Joy Reid to prime time NOW and
then share with three friends to help spread the word.
Thanks for all you do.
–Aliya, Toni, Olga, Nakia, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Rachel Maddow calls out MSNBC for axing non-white hosts: 'That feels
indefensible,'" Advocate, February 25, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
2. "MSNBC canceled Joy Reid — Trump and his cronies are celebrating |
Opinion," The Arizona Republic, February 24, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
3. "Trump celebrates end of Joy Reid MSNBC show: 'Finally,'" The Hill,
February 24, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
4. "I got into Harvard because of affirmative action. Some of my
classmates got in for their wealth." MSNBC, July 2, 2023
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
5. "Rachel Maddow on MSNBC canceling Joy Reid show: 'Bad mistake,'" The
Hill, February 25, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. "MSNBC Called Out for Lack of Diversity As Network Promotes Female
Anchors Lineup," Newsweek, June 6, 2019
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
9. "Rachel Maddow calls out MSNBC for axing non-white hosts: 'That feels
indefensible,'" Advocate, February 25, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
10. "Black Viewers Rally Around Joy Reid," Mother Jones, February 24, 2025
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
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