Rashida Jones, who made history as the first Black woman to lead a major cable news network, has announced her resignation as president of MSNBC. Her departure comes as the network’s parent company, Comcast, prepares to spin off several of its cable holdings into a new entity tentatively called SpinCo.
Rashida Jones’ Tenure
Jones’s tenure at MSNBC began in February 2021, following her role as senior vice president of specials for NBC News and MSNBC. During her leadership, the network achieved record viewership during significant political events, including the 2024 election night, where MSNBC outperformed its competitors.
However, the network has faced challenges in recent months, including declining ratings and internal controversies. Notably, anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski’s meeting with President-elect Donald Trump sparked internal turmoil.
Rashida Jones’ Statement
In a memo to staff, Jones stated, “I came to this decision over the holidays while reflecting on our remarkable journey and the many successes we’ve achieved together as a team. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you,” as reported by NBC News. She will remain in an advisory capacity until March to ensure a smooth transition.
“When Rashida shared this with me at the end of last week, I was surprised,” executive Mark Lazarus said in the meeting, according to AP News. “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.” He went on to state that “Rashida has expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses. MSNBC is well-positioned for the future,” as reported by NBC News.
Interim President
Rebecca Kutler, currently serving as senior vice president of content strategy, will assume the role of interim president. Kutler joined MSNBC in 2022 after a two-decade tenure at CNN, where she was instrumental in launching key programs and expanding digital and audio strategies. According to CNN, Lazarus said that now he will collaborate with Kutler “as we shape our collective future together.”
Comcast’s decision to reorganize its cable networks, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a separate entity is aimed at facilitating growth and potential acquisitions. This strategic move is expected to take about a year to complete and is designed to be tax-free for Comcast shareholders.
Under Jones’s leadership, MSNBC implemented significant programming changes, such as extending popular weekday shows and revamping weekend lineups. She also managed internal conflicts, including the hiring and subsequent reversal of Ronna McDaniel as a contributor.
Despite these efforts, MSNBC experienced a 57% decline in viewership following the 2024 election. In response, the network has announced that anchor Rachel Maddow will temporarily return to a five-night-a-week schedule to cover President-elect Trump’s inauguration, aiming to bolster ratings during this critical period.
Jones’s departure marks a significant transition for MSNBC as it adapts to a rapidly evolving media landscape and prepares for the challenges of covering a new presidential administration. Her leadership has been characterized by both groundbreaking achievements and formidable obstacles, reflecting the complexities of steering a major news network in today’s polarized political climate.
As the network moves forward under interim leadership, industry observers will be watching closely to see how MSNBC navigates its restructuring and addresses the ongoing challenges in cable news viewership and competition.
