MSNBC cancels Joy Reid’s show as part of programming shakeup at liberal network
MSNBC cancels Joy Reid’s show as part of programming shakeup at liberal network

Who is Joy Reid? Biography

​Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid, commonly known as Joy Reid, is a prominent American journalist, political commentator, and author. Born on December 8, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York City, she has made significant contributions to political discourse through her work on television and in print.

Early Life and Education

Reid was born to a Congolese father and a Guyanese mother, both of whom met while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Her father worked as an engineer, and her mother was a college professor and nutritionist. Following their divorce, Reid's father returned to the Congo, and she was primarily raised by her mother in Denver, Colorado. At the age of 17, after her mother's passing from breast cancer, Reid moved to Flatbush, Brooklyn, to live with an aunt. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, graduating in 1991 with a concentration in film studies. ​

Career Beginnings

Reid's foray into journalism began in 1997 when she left a business consulting firm in New York to work for WSVN Channel 7's morning show in South Florida. In 2003, she took a hiatus from journalism to join America Coming Together, a political action group opposing the Iraq War and President George W. Bush's policies. She returned to media in 2006 as a co-host of "Wake Up South Florida," a morning radio talk show on WTPS, and later served as the managing editor of The Grio and as a political columnist for the Miami Herald. ​

Rise at MSNBC

Reid's association with MSNBC began in 2011, where she quickly established herself as a formidable voice in political commentary. She hosted "The Reid Report" from 2014 to 2015 and later "AM Joy" from 2016 to 2020. In July 2020, she launched "The ReidOut," a Washington-based weeknight commentary show, making her one of the few Black women to anchor a major evening news program. ​

Authorship and Publications

Beyond her television career, Reid is an accomplished author. Her works include "Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide" (2015) and "The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story" (2019). In February 2024, she released "Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America," delving into the lives of civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers. ​

Personal Life

Joy Reid and her husband Jason
Joy Reid and her husband Jason. Photo: Getty Images

In 1997, Joy Reid married Jason Reid, a documentary film editor. Together, they have three children: a daughter named Winsome and two sons, Jmar and Miles. The family resides in Brooklyn, New York. ​

Reid's family background is rich in cultural diversity. Her father hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and her mother was a college professor and nutritionist from Guyana. Her parents met while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Reid has one sister, June Carryl, and a brother, Oren Lomena. ​

In her personal time, Reid is active on social media platforms, engaging with her audience on Twitter and Instagram under the handle @JoyAnnReid. She also maintains a presence on Facebook at "Joy Reid Official." ​

Reid's personal experiences and multicultural upbringing have significantly influenced her perspective and approach to journalism, allowing her to connect with a diverse audience and provide nuanced commentary on a range of issues.

Net Worth and Salary

As of 2025, Reid's net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $21 million, with variations depending on the source. Her annual salary at MSNBC has been reported to range from $1.5 million to $3 million. In late 2024, reports suggested that Reid, along with other MSNBC anchors, faced a pay cut, adjusting her salary to approximately $1.5 million. ​

Recent Developments

In February 2025, MSNBC announced the cancellation of "The ReidOut" as part of a significant programming overhaul under the network's new president, Rebecca Kutler. The final episode is scheduled to air within the week. The 7 p.m. time slot will be replaced by a new panel show co-hosted by Alicia Menendez, Michael Steele, and Symone Sanders Townsend. This restructuring aims to address declining ratings and reshape the network's content strategy amidst the political climate of President Donald Trump's second administration. ​

Reid's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in MSNBC's primetime lineup. Her tenure at the network has been marked by incisive political analysis, a commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices, and a steadfast dedication to journalistic integrity. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Reid's influence and contributions to political discourse remain indelible.

Top 30 Most Beautiful and Talent CNN Anchors, Reporters in 2024 Top 30 Most Beautiful and Talent CNN Anchors, Reporters in 2024

CNN hired top-notch correspondents, reporters, and anchors, which aided in the channel's growth. Discover which CNN women are currently the most beautiful and talented.
Who is Jim Acosta of CNN? Early Life, Family, Career, and Net Worth Who is Jim Acosta of CNN? Early Life, Family, Career, and Net Worth

Jim Acosta has threatened to leave CNN instead of agreeing to a time slot change that would require him to work the graveyard shift instead ...
Who is Neil Cavuto: Life, Career, and Net Worth Who is Neil Cavuto: Life, Career, and Net Worth

Neil Cavuto is an accomplished television news anchor, business journalist, and commentator.
Top 15 Most Gorgeous Fox News Female Anchors of 2025 Top 15 Most Gorgeous Fox News Female Anchors of 2025

Which female Fox News anchors are currently the most alluring and alluring? KnowInsiders looks for prominent female network anchors who have helped shape the network.