HBCU alumna Rashida Jones is out as president of MSNBC
MSNBC President Rashida Jones announced yesterday that it is coming down from the position after four years. Jones made history as the first black executive to lead a major American television network. Rebecca Kutler has been named Interim President.
“I made this decision over the holidays as I reflected on our remarkable journey and the many successes we have 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 achieved, which only you have made possible,” Jones said in a memo to staff.
Jones’ announcement that he will step down comes months after Comcast announced its plan to spin off most of its cable TV networks into a separate, publicly traded company known as SpinCo. MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Okigen, E!, SIFI and Golf Channel will be included in the new company. Jones took office in February 2021 following the inauguration of President Biden and the January 6 riots at the United States Capitol.
She has signed new long-term deals with Rachel Maddow and other prominent network talent. In addition, it invested in additional online digital products, developed a series of live events, and relaunched a new mobile app and premium subscription series. When she first started, she helped MSNBC achieve high ratings on key political nights.
Related newsThe article continues below
“Rashid expertly guided MSNBC through a multi-year, relentless and unprecedented news cycle, all while pushing the network to record ratings and investing in non-linear businesses.” MSNBC is well positioned for the future,” said Mark Lazarus, SpinCo’s new CEO.
Jones is a former student Hampton University. She graduated in mass media arts in 2002. Back in 2022, she established a scholarship in Hampton for journalism students. Before becoming president of MSNBC, Jones held several other positions at the company. She has served as executive producer, managing editor and senior vice president of specials for NBC and MSNBC.
Jones will remain in an advisory role until March.
2025-01-16 04:47:00
