Joy Reid’s weekday MSNBC anchor slot brings a bit more diversity to the schedule

By Michael P. Hill Article may include affiliate links

Joy-Ann Reid’s appointment as anchor of the upcoming “The ReidOut” on MSNBC is a key move by the network that will bring a bit more diversity to its schedule.

As of now, three white men, Chris Hayes, Lawrence O’Donnell and Brian Williams, anchor the 8, 10 and 11 p.m. eastern hours, respectively.

Reid will become the second woman on the evening schedule — joining Rachel Maddow’s 9 p.m. show — but notably won’t be in primetime.

Maddow, who is white, is, for what it’s worth, openly gay.

The dayside part of MSNBC is largely white — with Craig Melvin, who is Black, anchoring at 11 a.m. in addition to his duties on “Today” over on NBC.

Ali Velshi, who is of Ismaili Muslim of Gujarati Indian decent, appears on select days at 1 p.m.

MSNBC does have more females anchoring during the day, including Mika Brzezinski in the mornings, Stephanie Ruhle, Hallie Jackson, Andrea Mitchell, Katy Tur and Nicholle Wallace. All but Brzezinski typically appear solo for at least some of their time behind the anchor desk.

Reid’s appointment comes as NBC News announced a commitment to brings its workforce to at least 50% female and 50% people of color.

As illustrated, at least partially, by the MSNBC schedule, NBC already says it’s close to having half its staffers be female — but is still falling short with minorities.

It’s likely that Reid’s appointment won’t count toward increasing that goal since she likely is already counted as a female and woman of color.

Cable news in general is still dominated by white anchors and hosts — and many of them tend to be men.

On other networks, people of color include CNN’s Don Lemon in primetime and Fox features Harris Faulkner and Juan Williams during its dayside hours.