Embarrassing Leak Exposes MSNBC's Secret Layoff Plan
MSNBC suffered what appeared to be an inadvertent leak of its planned layoffs, detailing significant staff reductions at the network in the coming months.
Referred to as a “kill list,” the plan has now shed light on the network’s internal struggles and future.
The incident occurred when a production assistant discovered a sensitive document outlining which employees had been slated for the chopping block.
The leak came ahead of the official announcement, which confirmed the layoffs of approximately 100 employees at the network.
Aside from listing the names of employees about to lose their jobs, the plan also included details on meetings and talking points.
The news followed the cancellations of shows hosted by Joy Reid, Alex Wagner, Jonathan Capehart, Ayman Mohyeldin, and Katie Phang, as the leftist network scrambled to save its reputation.
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The restructuring revelations also came a week after MSNBC executives fired most of Rachel Maddow’s production team.
The network recently informed production employees that they are being let go as part of its programming overhaul.
The restructuring appears to be in line with Comcast’s broader efforts to transform MSNBC into a new entity, SpinCo, under the leadership of Mark Lazarus.
However, the accidental leak of the “kill list” has ignited internal discontent, with employees raging at the lack of transparency from the network.
MSNBC’s president, Rebecca Kutler, addressed staff concerns, encouraging them to apply for over 100 new positions expected to be posted within the network.
The layoffs signal a broader trend within liberal media, with other networks like CNN and NBC News reducing staff as part of their financial restructuring.
Time will tell if MSNBC can stabilize operations in the coming months. However, if the network’s reportedly declining viewership is any indication, it looks like MSNBC could become one of the first casualties under the Trump presidency.
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