MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Gets More Bad News As Network Turmoil Continues [WATCH]

MSNBC has reduced anchor Rachel Maddow’s annual salary by $5 million as parent company Comcast moves forward with plans to spin off its cable properties by the end of 2025, according to a report by The Ankler.

Maddow, who previously earned $30 million per year for hosting The Rachel Maddow Show on Monday nights, has agreed to a new deal for $25 million annually over the next five years.

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

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Despite the salary reduction, Maddow remains a key figure at the network, which has faced plummeting ratings following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris.

According to Nielsen data, MSNBC’s ratings have dropped 54% since the election, with overall viewership down 40% compared to the same time last year.

“This is a difficult time, and they needed to keep her,” an executive told The Ankler. “No one else can do what she does. You can’t build a brand like it overnight.”

Another executive referred to Maddow as “ratings Viagra.”

Maddow’s new deal keeps her in the anchor chair for Monday night broadcasts while allowing her to focus on producing podcasts and documentaries.

The network also plans to deploy Maddow as a “secret weapon” for breaking news coverage, according to the report.

The salary adjustment comes as MSNBC grapples with uncertainty surrounding Comcast’s decision to spin off its cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, and others.

The move has sparked panic at the network’s 30 Rock headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, with insiders raising concerns about potential layoffs and changes to branding, logos, and headquarters.

Bill O’Reilly explains why NBC is dumping MSNBC and ABC will be dumping The View next.

Rachel Maddow has already taken a $5 million pay cut on MSNBC.

Expect to see much more defunding of the activist shows.pic.twitter.com/EnVId29puR

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) November 22, 2024

Splitting MSNBC from NBC News could further disrupt operations, as the two entities currently share resources for news gathering and coverage.

The network’s ratings decline has been tied to its heavy reliance on anti-Trump programming during the 2024 election.

One on-air commentator admitted to The Ankler, “We were so Harris propaganda that when she lost, viewers were shocked. It turned into one giant circle j–k and echo chamber. If MSNBC wants to be of service to its viewers, they can’t keep them in fantasy land.”

Producers are reportedly struggling with how to move forward as “the only safe space for a liberal TV audience.”

During Trump’s first administration, MSNBC featured voices from across the political spectrum, including Hugh Hewitt and Nicolle Wallace.

However, staff now face questions about how to handle Trump’s newly announced appointees, with one producer describing them as a “Star Wars freak show.”

“I don’t know if having these people on would put any useful information out,” the producer told The Ankler.

MSNBC’s Morning Joe hosts, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, have also faced backlash for appearing to cozy up to President-elect Trump after years of on-air criticism.

The shift has raised eyebrows among viewers and insiders alike, further adding to the network’s challenges.

While MSNBC’s future remains uncertain amid Comcast’s spinoff plans, executives are confident in Maddow’s ability to draw viewers, even as her salary has been trimmed.

One executive reaffirmed Maddow’s value, calling her a vital asset to the network’s strategy in the coming years.

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