MSNBC has officially transitioned its 9 p.m. ET primetime slot from veteran anchor Rachel Maddow to former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, marking a significant shift in the network’s evening lineup. This change is part of a broader programming overhaul under new MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, aiming to adapt to the evolving media landscape and audience preferences.

After assuming the role, Kutler fired anchor Joy Reid as one of her first acts. Maddow blasted the decision live on the air.

Maddow, a staple at MSNBC for nearly two decades, concluded her special 100-day nightly hosting stint on May 5, which coincided with the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s new presidential term. She now returns to her previous schedule, hosting The Rachel Maddow Show exclusively on Monday nights. Maddow expressed confidence in Psaki, stating that the primetime slot would be “better” with Psaki’s fresh perspective.

Maddow herself was forced to take a $5 million salary cut after her ratings plunged – now she earns “just” $25 million annually.

Psaki’s new show, The Briefing, airs Tuesday through Friday at 9 p.m. ET. The program evolved from her previous Sunday show, Inside with Jen Psaki, which debuted in March 2023 and quickly became one of MSNBC’s most-watched weekend programs. Psaki aims to give viewers a comprehensive understanding of Washington politics, leveraging her government experience.

MSNBC has seen its ratings slide since the election of Trump. The network will soon be spun off from its parent company NBC Universal, adding to its woes.

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Paige Javor

Article by Paige Javor

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