The recent departure of Tiffany Cross has left MSNBC’s team feeling uneasy. Insiders reveal that morale is “in the toilet,” with many fearing that network executives won’t support them as they did before.
One source shared concerns that MSNBC President Rashida Jones aims to reshape the network to avoid upsetting conservative viewers, potentially alienating its core audience.
Since Jones took the helm in 2021, she has reportedly emphasized reducing on-air snark and name-calling, especially discouraging negative remarks about Fox News. This approach has led some within NBC to believe that MSNBC is striving for a more centrist stance, similar to CNN, which could dilute the network’s established identity.
Cross, known for her outspoken responses to conservative critics, was let go earlier than her contract’s end, partly due to her candid commentary. This swift action has raised questions among staff, especially when other hosts have exhibited similar behavior without repercussions. An MSNBC spokesperson stated that the decision to cancel Cross’s show was a standard programming choice.
The internal atmosphere suggests that liberal voices feel increasingly vulnerable, lacking assurance from leadership. Unlike her predecessor, Phil Griffin, Jones is perceived as distant from on-air talent, leading to uncertainty about her vision for the network’s future. Some staffers express a longing for Griffin’s more hands-on approach, while others defend Jones, highlighting her decade-long tenure with NBC and her efforts to cater to MSNBC’s audience across various platforms.
Despite differing opinions on leadership, there’s a shared concern that MSNBC’s shift towards a less divisive, more neutral tone might compromise its unique voice in the media landscape.
