“What’s the Matter with White People” author Joan Walsh got the news just before Christmas that MSNBC would not be renewing her contract as a contributor to the network. She shared the news with her Twitter followers Saturday morning.
So it’s true: after 12 years on MSNBC, six on contract, I learned Friday night they are not renewing. I’ve given my heart and soul to the network, from the George W. Bush years through today. I’m proud of the work I did.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
Yes, it’s Christmas weekend. I was baking pies with my daughter, who is home for the holidays, when I got the news. It didn’t feel too good. But all of your support helps, a lot. I'm grateful to the people who have fought for me.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
That is pretty cold, getting the news on Christmas weekend. But hey, this is MSNBC — whoever said the network had a heart? Joy Reid wasn’t happy about the news.
.@joanwalsh was the first person to ever pay me to write, back when she was the editor of @salon. She is now my friend, my incredibly valued colleague and my documentary partner. She belongs on the air speaking, especially in times like these. We need progressive women's voices.
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) December 23, 2017
It's incredibly short sighted to sideline voices like Joan's, especially now. Especially given the momentousness of next year's anniversaries: the women's march, the King and RFK assassinations … we need to be at full strength as media entities, and Joan belongs in the mix.
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) December 23, 2017
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So what’s up?
1. @joanwalsh is not losing her contract for cause (since many people are losing their contracts for cause I just wanted to clarify). An MSNBC insider tells me that they make these decisions every year based on budget and that Joan is welcome on air anytime, they just can't pay.
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 23, 2017
2. MSNBC pays on-air contributors one of two ways, a monthly retainer or a payment every time they appear on air. Joan was on retainer until December 2016 according to a source familiar with her MSNBC deal. In 2017 she was kept on a pay-per-hit contract. The question is..
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 23, 2017
3. Why couldn't have MSNBC limited the number of hits they would pay for and kept her on contract? For example, limit the number of paid hits to 10 per month and anything after the would be as an unpaid guest…would seem like a good way to keep her and avoid the controversy
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 23, 2017
4. So this isn't necessarily about shutting down Joan's voice – she can be booked 15 times a day and say whatever she wants to say. This is more about MSNBC's budget priorities. Joan has been a mentor to many women writers..this is going to give MSNBC a headache.
— Yashar Ali ? (@yashar) December 23, 2017
I asked MSNBC for comment — the network says @JoanWalsh is a “key voice” — “Every year we review our paid contributors list across the ideological spectrum. Unfortunately we couldn’t renew Joan, but she and her distinct perspective will still be invited on our shows.” https://t.co/9KtUf5sEP4
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 23, 2017
“Her distinct perspective.”
It's weird that so many people want to #KeepJoanWalsh on MSNBC. You know exactly what she's going to say about any particular topic. Just pretend she said it.
— ?It's?Almost ⛄️Christmas? (@jtLOL) December 23, 2017
As you can see, fans started the #KeepJoanWalsh hashtag and managed to get it trending on Twitter.
How could MSNBC not renew @joanwalsh?! She is one of the best political voices out there! I learn so much from her every time I watch her or when she is on my show. And while this doesn't matter to corporate number crunchers she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet!
— (((DeanObeidallah))) (@DeanObeidallah) December 23, 2017
Been taking a much needed sanity break from Twitter. But the insanity involved in MSNBC's decision to stop working w/ @joanwalsh has brought me back. #KeepJoanWalsh
— Jehmu (@Jehmu) December 23, 2017
Really @MSNBC? @joanwalsh is a gift to your network. What a disgraceful and stupid move. #KeepJoanWalsh
— Lizz "Hollywood Death Cult" Winstead (@lizzwinstead) December 23, 2017
@joanwalsh is indispensable.
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) December 23, 2017
Lemme get this straight. The same network that keeps Hugh effing Hewitt on the payroll fired @joanwalsh, one of its smartest progressive women? Fix your shit, @msnbc. #KeepJoanWalsh https://t.co/00b094RSkh
— shauna (@goldengateblond) December 23, 2017
MSNBC has been ticking off its liberal viewership for quite a while now, what with its signing of Hugh Hewitt, Nicole Wallace, George Will, and Greta Van Susteren. Remember when actor Mark Ruffalo got behind a petition drive to demand MSNBC halt its “white conservative hiring spree”? That was pretty funny.
Good news @msnbc viewers… you can still get @joanwalsh's valuable insights, she just won't get paid for it. And I'm sure she'll still come on air as a pro bono guest because it's all about the #resistance right?
— Larry O'Connor (@LarryOConnor) December 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/FilmLadd/status/944673772036116480
Just read about Joan Walsh and MSNBC. When I broke the Anthony Weiner story while working for AB, she accused me of having hacked Weiner’s account as a way to absolve him of his indiscretions. Maybe MSNBC wants someone with credibility ¯_( ツ)_/¯
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) December 23, 2017
Because msnbc is in short supply of braying irrationality #KeepJoanWalsh
— Ace Frehley for President (@NacTexDragon) December 23, 2017
Kurt Schlichter’s pretty broken up by the news.
The new rule is destroy your opponents.
Fire her.
Adios, Joan, you weasel. https://t.co/Z9ltNwVT7E— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) December 23, 2017
* * *
Update:
It’s a Festivus miracle!
I am overwhelmed by the support I've received today from all of you. And I'm thrilled to tell you I'll be heading to @CNN in the new year. Thanks to everyone who made this happen. A Christmas miracle.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 24, 2017
Related:
Mark Ruffalo seeks help in stopping MSNBC’s white conservative hiring spree
MSNBC reportedly hiring new slate of contributors to provide old white rich male perspective
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