Rashida Jonesis stepping down as president ofMSNBCas the connection prepares to bespun off from Comcastalong with other cable channels.
Im excited about whats next.
Im excited about what you guys are going to do next, Jones told staffers, per a source.
Rashida JonesNBC News
At a staff meeting, Lazarus said that MSNBC wouldretain its nameafter the spinoff.
Kutler also will be hiring a head of newsgathering and a head of talent.
Lazarus wrote in a memo that Kutler is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment.
Jones became president of MSNBC in February 2021,succeeding Phil Griffin.
That will separate MSNBC from sister news organization NBC News.
One of Jones bigger challenges was the loss of Maddow on all weeknights.
Although Wagner doesnt draw Maddows audience, she has beaten CNN in the time slot.
She also expandedMorning Joeto four hours andDeadline: White House with Nicolle Wallaceto two hours.
Journalists Jose Diaz Balart, Ana Cabrera and Chris Jansing anchor in the daytime.
Maddow was executive producer of the project.
Jones also has grappled with what have been talent revolts.
A chorus of personalities publicly bashed the decisions, with Maddow calling it inexplicable.
At the staff meeting, Maddow credited Jones with fostering a collegial culture of mutual respect.
Jones recruited Kutler to the web connection from CNN in September 2022.
Most importantly, I am more confident than ever that MSNBC is well-positioned for the future.
