NEW YORK — MSNBC is canceling The ReidOut, the 7 p.m. show hosted by Joy Reid, as part of a sweeping programming overhaul under the network’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, according to sources familiar with the changes.
Reid has come under fire in recent years for her racist rhetoric and opinionated coverage of politics in America.
Reid’s final episode is set to air this week, ending a five-year run of her evening news program, which featured in-depth political interviews. MSNBC plans to replace her show with a panel program co-hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, who currently anchor The Weekend.
The move is the first major change by Kutler, who was appointed president of MSNBC earlier this month. The network is revamping its lineup to boost ratings, which have trailed behind Fox News while staying ahead of CNN.
Further changes are expected, including the appointment of a new 9 p.m. host to replace Alex Wagner, with Jen Psaki emerging as a leading contender, though no final decision has been made. Wagner is expected to stay at MSNBC as an on-air correspondent.
MSNBC declined to comment on the changes, and Reid has not publicly addressed her departure.