MSNBC has parted ways with Joy Reid, marking the departure of another prominent Black woman from the network.
Reid joins the departures of Rashida Jones, the first Black woman to head a major cable news network, along with Melissa Harris-Perry and Tiffany Cross. All four women brought critical, unapologetic perspectives on race, politics and power — voices that many believe are being systematically eliminated.
Bobby Henry, chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), called Reid’s removal unacceptable and urged immediate action.
“As chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), I stand in unwavering solidarity with Joy Reid and the impactful legacy of ‘The ReidOut,’” Henry said. “Joy’s voice has been a beacon of truth, justice, and empowerment for our community, and now is the time for us to show up for her. I urge you to join us — together, we will lift our voices, strategize, and continue to support those who champion our stories. Our collective strength is our greatest asset — let’s stand united for Joy and for the future of Black journalism. The Black Press of America and Black-owned media is needed now just as we were almost 200 years ago.”
Reid’s departure has drawn immediate criticism from viewers, journalists, and activists.
Kevin Simmons, a supporter of “The ReidOut,” wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “The racists are rejoicing” after MSNBC announced the show’s cancellation. “‘The ReidOut’ had a great run. Joy will be okay. Crazy this announcement comes after she just won two NAACP awards last night.”
Justice Correspondent Elie Mystal called Reid irreplaceable.
“I owe the television part of my career to Joy Reid, as do so many other Black voices y’all never would have heard of if not for her,” Mystal wrote. “And that’s why she’s gone. They can treat Black folks as interchangeable, but everybody Black knows that Joy was indispensable.”
Many have pointed out that while MSNBC cuts ties with Reid, the network keeps shows like “Morning Joe,” whose hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski reportedly visited Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his 2016 victory. The decision to retain programming aligned with political power while eliminating Black voices critical of that power is being viewed as deliberate.
MSNBC’s move comes as Trump continues targeting the press. He has filed a lawsuit against “60 Minutes,” claiming the program manipulated an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump also ordered federal agencies to cancel subscriptions to major outlets, including The New York Times, Politico, and Reuters, cutting public employees off from independent news sources.
He has praised Fox News as his administration’s “official” media outlet, further tightening control over the information pipeline.
Trump has declared that only the president can decide what is lawful — a statement more in line with authoritarianism than constitutional democracy.
Henry, the NNPA chairman, said the Black community must remain vigilant.
“Our collective strength is our greatest asset,” he said. “Let’s stand united for Joy and for the future of Black journalism.”
With joy Reid leaving I will stop watching. I am very disappointed for sure
What can we do? Who can we call, write to? This is outrageous and scary… I will help however I can
It’s true just like the Bible says The Whole world is laying in the power of the wicked one.,.1John5.19 and very soon all this will be dealt with by an impartial all mighty God. And no amount of money,fame or the color of your face will save hatefilled people from his wrath.
Mr Brown please write a story on why the DNC and Oprah couldnt together buy Msnbc , Oprah is fabuolous with News and News stories , and the DNC needs their own blow horn to talk to the public about there issues
This would be a great bussiness venture
MSNBC was a favorite. The continued elimination of people of color who represents a critical voice during these times reflects poorly on the network. This network has demonstrated catering to the elimination and censorship of people who represent opinions and a program format presenting viewpoints which challenges misinformation from political parties. Balance reporting has been eliminated and the freedom of speech has been given limited outreach to significant populations. We may not all agree but we are entitled to choose to listen and come to our own conclusion. SHAME on msnbc. No
Longer a subscriber. You are contributing to the decline of Democracy.
The first night Joy Reid started, she had Joe Biden as her guest. He said, “I’m proud of you.” So was I and so were millions of other caring white listeners. This is just crushing with Lester Holt and others leaving NBC, what has become of us?
Really, I am so tired of hearing about what Oprah would do. Absolutely nothing, she does not hold a candle to Reid. Oprah who brought us Dr. Phil, Dr. OZ, Nate Burkus, Suzie Orman and Rachel Ray. The first two being da worst. What do all of these people have in common?
I have witnessed the change in delivery by Joe and Mica of any news concerning Dump, along with Bill Maher, who was a strong anti Dump supporter, so we are witnessing the overthrow of our Constitution, our Democracy by not just Putin’s puppet but project 2025 , a plan by the 13 billionaires using Dump again as a puppet. For them having a black president was sacrilegious, that’s why they hang their flag upside down.