Joy Reid Claims Pay Disparity at MSNBC Despite Higher Ratings

Joy Reid publicly addressed significant pay disparities during her time at MSNBC, alleging she earned only a tenth of what her male colleagues made despite often outperforming them in ratings and working longer hours. Speaking at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Reid described this imbalance as the "curse of competency," where the most capable employees are burdened with extra work but not compensated fairly. She highlighted systemic issues of gender and racial discrimination, noting men received higher salaries, better raises, and more opportunities even at lower ratings. Reid’s show, The ReidOut, was canceled in February 2025 amid a network reorganization and declining ratings, but she maintained her show had been outperforming others that replaced it. MSNBC, rebranded as MS NOW, declined to comment on her claims, although network president Rebecca Kutler praised Reid’s contributions internally. Reid has since continued her media work independently, with support from colleagues like Rachel Maddow, who criticized the network’s handling of Reid’s departure.