On Feb. 24, 2025, Pleasure Reid signed off from her night broadcast, “The ReidOut,” on MSNBC for the ultimate time, marking a major second within the panorama of American journalism. The announcement of her present’s cancellation over the weekend left many followers shocked and disheartened, however Reid approached her final episode with the unapologetic type that has outlined her profession.
Reid leaves highly effective farewell
Reid opened her remaining present with a poignant query that resonated deeply together with her viewers: “When you’re within the midst of a disaster, and particularly a disaster of democracy, how do you resist – when fascism isn’t simply coming, it’s already right here?” This query set the tone for an episode that was each reflective and empowering, urging viewers to attract classes from historical past and the enduring legacy of resistance actions in America.
“The primary rule is to combat again, to by no means cease resisting … even when it’s scary, or uncomfortable, or inconvenient. Simply maintain saying no and discovering inventive methods to say no, in small methods and huge,” she declared, emphasizing the significance of resilience within the face of adversity. Reid’s message was clear: whereas victories might not all the time be assured, the act of resistance itself is invaluable.
Context of cancellation
The cancellation of Reid’s present — which was blasted by fellow MSNBC present host Rachel Maddow — after 5 impactful years comes amid a management shakeup at MSNBC, with new president Rebecca Kutler aiming to spice up scores. The choice was met with blended reactions, together with a wave of help for Reid from followers and organizations. Notably, former President Donald Trump took to social media to criticize Reid, calling her “one of many least proficient individuals in tv.”
Megyn Kelly — the SiriusXM host of “The Megyn Kelly Present,” however who additionally had an NBC present canceled in 2018 after tearfully addressing a blackface controversy — by some means felt justified in taking it to the Web to mock Reid. In a shocking and audacious match of the pot calling the kettle black, Kelly known as Reid “absolutely the worst particular person on tv.”
“Bear in mind when Pleasure Reid laughingly mocked ‘white girls tears’ as pathetic and offensive to her? Who’s crying now, Pleasure?” Kelly wrote on her X account over the weekend.
Nevertheless, this negativity was overshadowed by the outpouring of affection and help from her viewers.
Group help and solidarity
In response to the cancellation, teams like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Win With Black Girls rallied behind Reid. The latter group, which performed a major position in Kamala Harris’ presidential marketing campaign, launched the hashtag #WeNeedJoy, encouraging viewers to tune in to her remaining present and protest the cancellation by turning off their TVs afterward. This grassroots motion highlighted the significance of Reid’s voice in advocating for Black girls and marginalized communities.
Journalist Karen Attiah expressed the emotions of many when she tweeted, “Over the course of my profession, Pleasure Reid has been one of many few to present me and so many different Black voices constant airtime. Black girls’s voices are wanted now greater than ever.” Such statements underscore the essential position Reid has performed in amplifying various views in media.
A heartfelt goodbye
As Reid ready for her farewell broadcast, she was surrounded by a supportive studio viewers, together with crew members and fellow media personalities like Tiffany Cross. She took a second to precise her gratitude, stating, “My present had worth … Whether or not it was the Black Lives Matter points … or speaking about Gaza and the truth that we because the American individuals have … a proper to object to little infants being bombed … I’m not sorry that I stood up for these issues.”
Her colleagues at MSNBC, together with Maddow and Nicolle Wallace, additionally shared their shock and disappointment on the cancellation, emphasizing the influence Reid has had on the community and its viewers.
Legacy of affect
Reid closed her remaining episode with a heartfelt message to her viewers, expressing her love and appreciation for his or her help through the years. “Thanks for holding us down [for] virtually 5 years. We’re a toddler, and we’re out in these streets, on this world and we aren’t going to cease,” she stated, leaving viewers with a way of hope and willpower.
As her present concluded, Jen Psaki paid tribute to Reid’s contributions, stating, “She tells tales nobody tells. She does that fearlessly on her present.” Whereas Reid’s time at MSNBC has come to an finish, her voice and affect proceed by means of her social media platforms and Substack, the place she stays dedicated to talking fact to energy.
