More than 10,000 supporters rallied on an emergency Zoom call to stand with Joy Reid after MSNBC canceled her show, The ReidOut. The call, hosted by Win With Black Women and Win With Black Men, featured powerful voices like Angela Rye, Don Lemon, and Jacque Reid. Attendees urged viewers to tune in for the final episode and flood MSNBC with calls demanding change.
A Show of Solidarity
The emergency Zoom call on February 23 became a powerful moment of unity. Activists Jotaka Eaddy and Khalil Thompson led the discussion, which included guest appearances by Joy Reid herself. The call highlighted the importance of The ReidOut as a platform for Black voices and diverse storytelling.
Reid, the first Black woman to anchor a primetime cable news show on MSNBC, expressed gratitude for the support. She paid tribute to Melissa Harris-Perry, who paved the way for her at MSNBC. Reid also emphasized the need to uplift Black women in journalism, ensuring their voices remain central in national discourse.
The Impact of The ReidOut
Since its debut in July 2020, The ReidOut has been a vital platform for addressing critical issues. Reid tackled voter suppression, racial justice, and international affairs like the wrongful detainment of Brittney Griner. Her show amplified underrepresented voices and held power to account.
The cancellation of The ReidOut has sparked conversations about media representation. Supporters on the call stressed the importance of diverse storytelling in primetime. They also discussed mobilizing to ensure Black journalists and thought leaders maintain a presence in mainstream media.
MSNBC’s Programming Changes
MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler, is implementing programming changes, including replacing The ReidOut with co-hosts from The Weekend. While the network hasn’t detailed why Reid’s show was canceled, the move follows a pattern of shifts disproportionately impacting Black news anchors.
Despite the cancellation, Reid and The ReidOut won two NAACP Image Awards on February 22. This recognition underscores the show’s impact and the importance of Black voices in media.
A Call to Action
Supporters were urged to follow Reid on social media and use the hashtag #WeNeedJoy. They were also encouraged to call MSNBC at (212) 664-4444 to object to the cancellation. A second hashtag, #TVOff, was introduced, with instructions to change the channel after the final episode to impact ratings.
The rallying cry is clear: Black voices matter, and their presence in media is non-negotiable. The overwhelming support for Reid demonstrates the demand for diverse storytelling and the need to protect Black journalists in mainstream media.
