MSNBC host Ari Melber is reportedly exploring options to leave the network and has met with rival broadcasters, according to multiple media reports citing sources familiar with the situation. The development comes as parent company Comcast prepares to spin off MSNBC into a new entity called Versant.
Breaker first reported on May 27, 2025, that Melber has held meetings with competing networks and is considering departing the Comcast-owned network. Two people familiar with the matter indicated that the 45-year-old journalist is also considering starting his own media company.
Melber has hosted “The Beat with Ari Melber” since 2017 in the network’s coveted 6 p.m. Eastern time slot. The program consistently ranks as one of MSNBC’s highest-rated shows and ranked fourth among the network’s programs as of late May, according to reports.
The host also serves as MSNBC’s chief legal correspondent and has built a reputation for securing interviews across the political spectrum. His show has featured guests, including Trump administration officials such as border czar Tom Homan, trade adviser Peter Navarro, former campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski, and current White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Industry observers noted that Melber’s potential departure would represent a significant ratings blow for MSNBC, particularly following Rachel Maddow’s decision to scale back her schedule to once weekly after initially returning five nights a week for the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term. Network executives are reportedly monitoring the performance of the newly shuffled evening lineup, which features hosts Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, and Jen Psaki.
The timing of Melber’s reported discussions coincides with significant corporate changes at MSNBC. Comcast is preparing to separate the cable news network from NBC News as part of a broader spinoff of cable properties into the new company Versant, led by Mark Lazarus. This transition is expected to occur sometime in 2025.
Melber’s show performs exceptionally well on digital platforms, which figures into new MSNBC boss Rebecca Kutler’s growth strategy. Reports indicate Mediaite calculated that “The Beat” generated over 1.5 billion views overall as of December, with individual clips regularly drawing tens of thousands of views on YouTube.
The host’s audience demographics also present advantages for the network, as his viewership tends to skew younger than most cable news programs. This demographic appeal has made Melber a recurring presence on industry influence lists in recent years, particularly due to his strong digital content.
Earlier this year, Melber defended MSNBC against criticism from Trump, who claimed the network was “close to death” and labeled it “worse than CNN.” In response to Forbes, Melber stated, “MSNBC is doing great,” and highlighted the network’s performance metrics, including beating ESPN and CNN in total audience television ratings and surpassing Fox on YouTube in 2024.
The reported discussions represent a broader trend in cable news as personalities explore alternatives amid industry uncertainty. Steve Kornacki, another popular MSNBC figure, recently signed with NBC, effectively severing his connection to the cable news outlet, according to network confirmation last month.
Before his television career, Melber worked as a legislative aide for Washington Senator Maria Cantwell and contributed to John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. He earned his law degree from Cornell University before transitioning to a career in journalism.
Media industry analysts suggest that approaching rival networks can serve as a negotiation tactic for cable news personalities seeking more favorable contract terms with their current employers. The strategy has been employed by various hosts to gain leverage during contract discussions.
Both Melber and MSNBC representatives declined to provide comments to multiple outlets reporting on the situation. The network has not issued any official statements regarding the host’s future or the reported discussions with competitors.
If Melber proceeds with leaving MSNBC, he would join other high-profile media figures who have departed from network contracts to pursue independent ventures, though most such endeavors remain in the early stages of audience building. The coming months are expected to reveal whether Melber negotiates a satisfactory role in MSNBC’s post-spinoff structure or pursues opportunities elsewhere.
