MSNBC has slashed Rachel Maddow’s salary by $5 million, following a dramatic drop in the network’s ratings and a corporate reorganization by parent company Comcast. The network’s move to reduce Maddow’s pay comes after a significant decline in viewership, particularly after President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Maddow, whose annual salary had previously reached $30 million, will now earn $25 million over the next five years for hosting “The Rachel Maddow Show” on Mondays. The salary reduction reflects not only the dip in ratings but also a broader corporate shift. Comcast has announced plans to spin off several of its cable networks, including MSNBC, by the end of next year. This restructuring aims to position Comcast’s cable operations separately from NBC News, signaling a shift toward streaming services.
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
In addition to her hosting role, Maddow will reportedly expand her involvement with the network by producing podcasts and documentaries. Executives at MSNBC continue to praise Maddow’s unique abilities, with one calling her “ratings Viagra” and another noting that the network couldn’t afford to lose her during this challenging period. There are also plans to use Maddow as a key figure in other MSNBC programming, especially during breaking news events.
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 pay cut is part of a larger trend of reorganization at MSNBC and its parent company. Comcast’s decision to distance its cable channels from NBC News is seen as a response to the growing influence of streaming platforms, which are increasingly seen as the future of television. The cable shakeup could also lead to a rebranding of MSNBC, including changes to its name, logo, and headquarters, along with possible layoffs.
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 ratings decline has been steep. Since Trump’s victory, MSNBC’s ratings have reportedly fallen by 54%, with Nielsen data showing a 40% drop compared to the same time last year. According to one anonymous network commentator, the network’s liberal-leaning coverage, particularly in the aftermath of Trump’s win, alienated viewers and led to a perception of MSNBC as a “fantasy land” for liberals.
Producers at MSNBC are now grappling with how to reposition the network, as they attempt to remain a “safe space” for liberal viewers. The future of the network’s programming and its ability to regain ratings will likely hinge on its ability to evolve with the changing media landscape, which is increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and digital content.
