Rashida Jones Steps Down as President of MSNBC

MSNBC President Rashida Jones steps down after four years, leaving a legacy of change and challenges in cable news.

At a Glance

Rashida Jones resigns as MSNBC president after a four-year tenure.
Rebecca Kutler, former CNN executive, named interim president.
MSNBC became second-rated cable news network under Jones’ leadership.
Network faces declining ratings since Donald Trump’s election.
Rachel Maddow to return full-time as new administration takes office.

End of an Era at MSNBC

Rashida Jones, the first Black executive to lead a cable news network, has announced her resignation as president of MSNBC after four years in the role. Jones, who has been with the network for over a decade, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Rebecca Kutler, a former CNN executive with experience in both cable news and streaming.

During her tenure, Jones navigated MSNBC through a rapidly changing media landscape, political turbulence, and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Under her leadership, MSNBC surpassed CNN to become the second-rated cable news network, though it still trails behind Fox News.

“After four incredible years at the helm of MSNBC and 11 years at NBCU, I have made the decision to pursue new opportunities,” Jones said in a memo to employees today https://t.co/VRPP1wIqYi

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 14, 2025

Challenges and Achievements

Despite Jones’ efforts to reinvigorate the network, MSNBC has faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of viewership. The network experienced a 57% drop in ratings following the election, a trend common among networks associated with a losing candidate. This decline has persisted, prompting concerns about the network’s future direction.

Jones’ tenure saw notable changes at MSNBC, including adjustments to the weekend lineup and the extension of popular weekday shows. A significant addition during her presidency was the hiring of Jen Psaki, former Biden administration press secretary, demonstrating the network’s commitment to maintaining its liberal-leaning perspective.

Looking Ahead

As MSNBC faces this leadership transition, the network is pinning hopes on a potential viewership boost with Donald Trump’s return to office. In a move to bolster ratings, Rachel Maddow, one of the network’s most popular anchors, will return to hosting her show five nights a week during the initial months of the new administration.

“When Rashida shared this with me at the end of last week, I was surprised. I was a little saddened for the company but very happy for her to be able to come to grips with a hard decision — a very personal decision,” said Mark Lazarus, who leads the newly separated MSNBC and CNBC division.

Lazarus has announced plans to hire a new head of news gathering and a head of talent, signaling a fresh approach to the network’s content strategy. These changes come as part of a broader restructuring at NBCUniversal, which has separated MSNBC and CNBC from NBC News into a new company.

As MSNBC navigates this transition, the network faces the challenge of maintaining its identity and viewership in an increasingly competitive and fragmented media landscape. The success of interim president Rebecca Kutler and the network’s ability to adapt to changing viewer habits will be crucial in determining MSNBC’s future in the cable news sector.