Host Joy Reid has been fired from MSNBC as part of a broader slate of programming changes under new network president Rebecca Kutler. Declining ratings after the 2024 election may have influenced MSNBC’s decision. The decision has polarized media observers across the political spectrum.

Some liberal viewers, journalists, and activists argue that the firing is an attempt to silence Black voices. Meanwhile, some conservatives — including President Trump — have praised the move, viewing the host as a relentless critic of the president and his supporters.

Watch the video above as Dr. Rashad Richey agrees that Reid’s firing is another Black voice silenced, and it reflects efforts by those in power to maintain a system “rooted in discrimination, bias, bigotry, and unfair play.”

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

Let’s go to the firing of Joy Reid. Can I remind everyone that all of this madness is happening during Black History Month?

Joy Reid, Black female lead anchor who has been a remarkable voice to the voiceless, who has been an advocate and ally to people of color, who has been a thorn in the side of Donald Trump as a man and Trump as the administration — all of a sudden, new leadership comes to MSNBC, fires Joy Reid. Why?

MSNBC has been failing for a while. All of the shows are down, and to be 100 with you, Joy Reid doesn’t have the lowest ratings. You got to look at a white guy for that at MSNBC.

Here’s what we know: The moral arc of the universe bends towards righteousness. Here’s the other side [of] this moment in history. We know who our friends are. We know who our allies are. We know what companies, what brands, what media agencies and people actually stood for, right?