MSNBC Axes Three More Top Hosts In Network Bloodbath

MSNBC is in the midst of a sweeping overhaul, axing three more left-wing hosts just days after reports surfaced that the network was cutting ties with controversial anchor Joy Reid.

The latest casualties include Ayman Mohyeldin, Katie Phang, and Jonathan Capehart, whose shows were canceled as part of MSNBC’s restructuring under new leadership, sources told The New York Post. The decision marks yet another shake-up at the struggling Comcast-owned network, which has been facing mounting criticism and sagging viewership.

A representative confirmed that Mohyeldin and Capehart will continue with the network in new time slots. Details on the premiere of their new shows were not disclosed. Meanwhile, Phang was informed that her Miami-based show would be discontinued as the network phases out its operations in South Florida. The network stated that she would remain with the network as a legal correspondent.

Mohyeldin, a former foreign correspondent turned weekend host, had been a vocal critic of conservatives, while Phang, an attorney-turned-pundit, regularly championed left-wing causes on her weekend morning show. Capehart, a longtime MSNBC contributor and Washington Post columnist, frequently used his platform to push progressive talking points.

NEW YORK-APR 29: Egyptian-American journalist Ayman Mohyeldin attends the Time 100 Gala for the Most Influential People at Frederick P. Rose Hall at Lincoln Center on April 29, 2014 in New York City.

During a meeting discussing the cancellation of Mohyeldin’s program, an MSNBC official announced that the network was “making several changes to our programming lineup,” according to The Guardian. The official later stated that the network had “hit success” with ensemble shows and planned to further invest in this format to better align with “audience needs.”

Rebecca Kutler, now officially leading the network after Rashida Jones’s departure, is making significant changes. Kutler persuaded Rachel Maddow, MSNBC’s top earner, to anchor nightly for the initial 100 days of the Trump administration. The shift has sidelined Alex Wagner, who previously filled Maddow’s prime-time slot four nights a week.

An MSNBC insider told The Post, “She’s canceling two hosts that made history. Alex Wagner is first Asian-American primetime host and Joy Reid was the first black woman cable primetime host,” adding, “She’s tough and very corporate. Not a lot of people like her but she gets things done.”

Lester Holt, who has served as the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” for ten years, announced on Monday that he would step down from the broadcast at the start of the summer. Holt will maintain a significant presence at the network, taking on a full-time role at “Dateline,” where he has been the principal anchor for nearly 15 years, as noted in a memo circulated to network staff on Monday. NBC News has not yet announced who will succeed Holt.

LOS ANGELES – MAY 2: Lester Holt at the NBCUniversal Summer Press Day at Universal Studios on May 2, 2018 in Universal City, CA

The network’s moves follow the reported cancellation of The ReidOut, Reid’s primetime show, which became infamous for its anti-Trump rhetoric and divisive commentary.

Reid’s program, which airs on weeknights at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, will be replaced by a new show hosted by former Bernie Sanders campaign spokeswoman Symone Sanders, former RNC chairman Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez, the daughter of disgraced Senator Bob Menendez.

For Reid, the cancellation comes as her show has struggled to attract more than 1 million viewers over the last several months. The show’s overall ratings have declined by 28 percent when compared with this time last month.