MSNBC President Rashida Jones Resigns

Typewriter with "Time to say goodbye" text.

MSNBC president Rashida Jones steps down after four years, marking a significant shift in the network’s leadership.

At a Glance

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

MSNBC Leadership Shakeup

MSNBC is undergoing a significant leadership change as Rashida Jones, the network’s president for the past four years, announces her resignation. Jones, who made history as the first Black executive to lead a cable news network, will be succeeded on an interim basis by Rebecca Kutler, a former CNN executive with experience in both cable news and streaming platforms.

During her tenure, Jones navigated MSNBC through challenging times, including a contentious political landscape and the global pandemic’s impact on media consumption. Under her leadership, MSNBC managed to secure the second position among cable news networks, surpassing CNN but still trailing 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

Ratings Challenges and Network Changes

Despite Jones’ efforts to revitalize the network, MSNBC has faced persistent struggles with ratings, particularly since Donald Trump’s election. The network experienced a significant 57% drop in viewership following the election, a trend common among networks associated with a losing candidate.

In response to these challenges, Jones implemented several changes to MSNBC’s programming. She made adjustments to the weekend lineup and extended popular weekday shows. Additionally, she oversaw the notable addition of Jen Psaki, former Biden administration press secretary, to the network’s roster.

Corporate Restructuring and Future Plans

Jones’ departure coincides with broader changes at NBCUniversal. Comcast has separated MSNBC and CNBC from NBC News, forming a new company led by Mark Lazarus. Despite these corporate shifts, MSNBC will retain its name and brand identity.

“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,” Lazarus commented on Jones’ resignation.

Looking ahead, MSNBC is taking steps to bolster its position in the competitive news landscape. Rachel Maddow, one of the network’s most popular hosts, will return to hosting her show five nights a week during the initial months of the new administration. This move is part of a broader strategy to increase viewership as Donald Trump takes office once again.

Mark Lazarus has announced plans to hire a new head of news gathering and a head of talent, signaling the network’s commitment to strengthening its content and on-air presence. As MSNBC navigates this transition period, industry observers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the network’s performance and position in the cable news arena.