Former MSNBC host Joy Reid is reportedly considering a new endeavor on Substack, a subscription newsletter platform, following the termination of her prime-time show “The ReidOut”. This development was reported by Benjamin Mullin, a media reporter from the New York Times, who mentioned that Reid was in discussions about creating content for Substack, although the specifics of the project are currently unclear.
Reid’s show was cancelled as part of a larger revamp at MSNBC, which was officially confirmed by MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler. In her official statement, Kutler expressed gratitude towards Reid for her numerous contributions at the network over the years. Reid had been a key figure at MSNBC for more than a decade, hosting shows like “The Reid Report” and “AM Joy” before starting “The ReidOut” in 2020.
Reid hinted at her future plans during her last broadcast on February 24, 2025, urging her audience to follow her on social media, particularly her Substack account, hinting at the platform’s potential significance in her upcoming career move.
Rachel Maddow, another prominent figure at MSNBC, aired her disappointment about Reid’s exit from the network. Maddow expressed her respect and admiration for Reid, referring to the decision to let her go as a “bad mistake.” Furthermore, she raised questions about the racial implications of the decision, as Reid and another non-white prime-time host were both dismissed in the restructuring.
As part of the network’s changes, Reid’s time slot will now be occupied by a rotating roster of anchors, including Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. This is the first significant programming change under Kutler, who succeeded Rashida Jones as network president in January.
Reid made an emotional appearance on the “Win With Black Women” podcast after the announcement of the show’s cancellation. During the podcast, Reid shared that she had experienced a wide range of emotions following the news, admitting to feeling anger, disappointment, and guilt over her team losing their jobs.
However, despite her initial reactions, Reid eventually expressed gratitude for her tenure at the network.
During her MSNBC tenure, Reid was recognized for her vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, defending her coverage as addressing his actions that she believed violated the Constitution and infringed upon people’s freedom.
Prior to joining MSNBC, Reid was well-known in South Florida, where she worked as a writer for WSVN Channel 7 and as a columnist for the Miami Herald. Reid also served as a local press secretary for the Obama campaign from 1997 to 2011, according to the Miami Herald.
Reid would be joining an increasing number of mainstream media figures who have migrated to Substack. The list includes Jim Acosta and Jen Rubin, according to Chris Cillizza’s Substack newsletter. The platform has gained popularity among voices from the “anti-Trump” or “resistance” movement.
The potential move to Substack raises questions about the changing media environment and how journalists are adjusting to shifts in traditional broadcasting. The response to Reid’s MSNBC departure on social media has been mixed, with conservative commentators celebrating the news, while many of her colleagues and supporters have expressed disappointment and solidarity.
In a Bluesky post following the announcement, Reid thanked her supporters for their “kindness and encouragement”. She underscored the importance of diversity in journalism and encouraged other Black journalists to make their voices heard, stating that “one person can inspire others.”
Reid’s show “The ReidOut” had covered a range of significant issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the targeting of Asian Americans. As she transitions from traditional cable news, her supporters are keen to see how she will continue to address these topics in her potential new endeavor.
