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.
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.
Tell MSNBC that its viewers value diversity and demand they bring back Joy Reid to prime time!
"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
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.
Thanks for all you do.
–Aliya, Toni, Olga, Nakia, and the rest of the team
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