MSNBC president Rashida Jones to step down

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rashida Jones, the first Black executive to helm a major television network, announced on Tuesday that she would be stepping down as president of MSNBC, the progressive news channel she has led since 2021. Jones first shared the news of her departure with the network’s anchors on Tuesday morning before addressing the staff in the daily editorial meeting. “After four incredible years at the helm of MSNBC and 11 years at NBCU, I have made the decision to pursue new opportunities,” Jones shared in a memo to staff. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you.” Lazarus praised Jones in a separate memo, saying he “had been impressed by her business successes, exceptional producing skills and sharp editorial instincts.” Adding that Kutler had been appointed as interim president, he stated that “Rebecca is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we shape our collective future together.” Jones, who previously served as senior vice president of NBC News and MSNBC, was named president of the network in February 2021.