“ReidOut” host Joy Reid recently delivered a powerful final message on her MSNBC show, sounding the alarm about the presence of fascism in America. As she bid farewell to her viewers, Reid posed a critical question that resonated deeply: How can we resist when fascism is not just looming on the horizon, but already present in our midst? It was a moment of reflection, a call to action, and a reminder that history can be our greatest teacher in times of crisis.
Reflecting on the words of her colleague Rachel Maddow, Reid emphasized the importance of learning from the past and drawing strength from the actions of those who have faced similar challenges. She urged her audience to resist, to push back, and to never stop saying no to injustice, even in the face of fear or discomfort. It was a poignant reminder that the fight for democracy is ongoing, requiring courage, resilience, and a commitment to standing up for what is right.
As Reid’s final show unfolded, she was joined by her fellow MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, and Lawrence O’Donnell, who offered heartfelt tributes to their departing colleague. The camaraderie and respect among the group were palpable, underscoring the bond that had been forged through years of working together to inform and inspire their audience.
In a candid moment during a Zoom call with the group Win With Black Women, Reid shared her emotional response to the news of her show’s cancellation. She spoke of the range of feelings she had experienced—from anger and disappointment to gratitude for the outpouring of support she had received. Holding back tears, Reid expressed her unwavering pride in her show and the issues it had fearlessly tackled, from Black Lives Matter to immigration to the 1619 Project.
As Reid’s tenure on MSNBC came to a close, plans were already in motion for the future of the network’s programming. Her 7 p.m. ET slot would be filled by a new show featuring Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele. The transition marked the end of an era for “The ReidOut,” a show that had made a lasting impact on viewers and sparked important conversations on pressing social and political issues.
Beyond the changes in programming at MSNBC, the network was also welcoming new faces and shifting roles for existing talent. Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart were all set to take on new positions within the network, while discussions were underway to bring Politico’s Eugene Daniels and NYU law professor Melissa Murray on board. The landscape of cable news was evolving, with fresh voices and perspectives poised to shape the future of MSNBC’s lineup.
In the midst of these transitions, one familiar face would be stepping down from his anchor role at NBC. Lester Holt, the trusted face of “NBC Nightly News,” would be focusing on hosting “Dateline” full-time, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in broadcast journalism. As the media landscape continued to evolve and adapt to changing times, Holt’s legacy would endure as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of delivering news with integrity and empathy.
In conclusion, Joy Reid’s final broadcast on MSNBC served as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of standing up for democracy, resisting injustice, and honoring the values that unite us as a society. As one chapter closed and new voices prepared to take the stage, the spirit of courage, compassion, and commitment to truth would continue to guide the network and its viewers in the days ahead. The legacy of “The ReidOut” would live on, a testament to the power of journalism to inform, inspire, and empower us all.
