In response to plummeting ratings, MSNBC has reduced Rachel Maddow’s salary by $5 million, marking a shift in how the network is navigating its declining viewership. The salary cut comes as Comcast undertakes a major reorganization of its cable operations, which includes plans to spin off MSNBC into a separate entity.
Maddow, who has long been the face of MSNBC, will now earn $25 million annually over the next five years, down from her previous $30 million contract. She will continue to host “The Rachel Maddow Show” on Mondays, but her new role will also include producing podcasts and documentaries. While Maddow remains a prominent figure at the network, executives are rethinking the way they utilize her talents in response to the current media landscape.
The situation at MSNBC continues to worsen as owner Comcast tries to rebrand the network following President Trump’s decisive win.
Rachel Maddow, the networks highest-paid propagandist, just had her salary cut by $5 million/yr for the next 5 years. pic.twitter.com/JPc7sSJKiT
— Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) November 21, 2024
The decision to restructure Comcast’s cable operations reflects the growing dominance of streaming services, which have become a key focus for the company. The move will separate NBC News from its cable channels, including MSNBC, and could result in rebranding efforts for the network. This restructuring could also lead to layoffs and other cost-cutting measures.
Despite the salary reduction, MSNBC executives have praised Maddow as a unique and valuable asset to the network. One executive described her as “ratings Viagra,” noting that she is the one personality capable of boosting viewership during critical moments. There are also plans to feature Maddow in other key programming, particularly during major news events, as MSNBC works to remain relevant in a rapidly changing media environment.
MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow’s salary reportedly cut by $5M despite being ‘ratings Viagra’ – as parent company Comcast deals with ‘difficult time’ https://t.co/obA4hhLFPM pic.twitter.com/akXpAEbKQY
— New York Post (@nypost) November 21, 2024
Maddow’s salary cut comes as MSNBC faces a significant drop in ratings, with some reports indicating a 54% decline since President-elect Donald Trump’s victory. Critics of the network have pointed to its increasingly partisan coverage, especially its focus on Kamala Harris during the election cycle, which some believe alienated a large portion of the audience.
BREAKING: MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow has had her annual salary cut by $5 million, amid reports that network staffers are “in a panic” over the network’s future, according to a report. pic.twitter.com/1z0ANYoXcW
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) November 22, 2024
The future of MSNBC’s programming and its ability to recover from the ratings slide will depend on how well it adapts to the growing trend of streaming services. The network’s ability to regain its audience and respond to changing viewer preferences will be key to its long-term success.
