In a sudden announcement, MSNBC president Rashida Jones has resigned from her position, effective immediately.
The New York Post reported that Jones' departure marks the end of her four-year leadership at MSNBC during a period of noteworthy organizational shifts and rating challenges.
Jones, who made history as the first black woman to lead a major TV news network, has decided to leave MSNBC after holding the presidency for four years.
This move was disclosed through a memo sent to the network staff, where Jones expressed her intention to explore new opportunities after more than a decade with NBC Universal.
During her time at the helm, Jones was instrumental in navigating the network through an intense and continuous news cycle. MSNBC managed to surpass CNN in viewership, positioning itself as the second-most-watched cable news channel behind Fox News.
Despite the successes, the network faced ongoing challenges, including a drop in ratings after the election of Donald Trump.
Mark Lazarus, an NBCU executive who is set to lead a newly formed entity called SpinCo following Comcast's decision to spin off its cable assets, acknowledged Jones’ significant contributions. In his memo, he praised her for driving the network to record viewership and making strategic investments in nonlinear platforms, asserting that MSNBC is "well-positioned for the future."
This leadership change occurs amidst Comcast’s broader organizational overhaul, which might even see MSNBC moving from its longstanding headquarters at 30 Rock due to the impending formation of SpinCo.
Despite the accolades, Jones faced internal criticisms and was sometimes perceived as having a "hands-off" leadership style, generating mixed feelings within the network.
However, an unnamed spokesperson defended her capability emphatically, quoting Mark Lazarus's support: “Mark never questioned if Rashida was up for the task. Full stop.”
Such internal dissent contrasts with sentiments from various colleagues who have continuously supported and appreciated Jones' leadership approach, describing her as a well-liked and effective leader. This split view highlights the typical challenges faced in high-stakes media leadership roles.
Rebecca Kutler, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy at NBC Universal, has been appointed as the interim president.
This interim arrangement suggests a period of transition for MSNBC as it stabilizes from recent upheavals and prepares for any forthcoming strategic shifts.
While the future remains uncertain for MSNBC with the leadership shift and possible relocation, Jones looks set to possibly engage in new ventures, likely supported by an attractive exit package, as speculated by some insiders. Her decision to leave, as stated, stems from a desire to pursue fresh opportunities outside the NBCU sphere.