MSNBC drops Joan Walsh as paid contributor

MSNBC says it has decided not to renew a contract with paid contributor Joan Walsh, and the news caused an uproar on social media by some of the network’s top talent.

Walsh says on her Twitter account she learned of the New York-based network’s decision Friday while baking pies with her daughter. MSNBC hosts Chris Hayes and Joy Reid have tweeted in support of Walsh.

Reid called the network’s decision ‘short sighted’ and added ‘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.’ While Hayes tweeted Walsh is ‘indispensable.’

Joan Walsh, who has been contributing at MSNBC for over a decade, was fired by the network Friday, much to the dismay of her colleagues 

Hosts Chris Hayes (left) and Joy Reid (right) tweeted their support for Walsh- Reid specifically denounced the network’s decision to let her go

Newsman Chris Hayes took to Twitter calling Walsh an indispensable voice at the network

Newsman Chris Hayes took to Twitter calling Walsh an indispensable voice at the network

Reid called the decision to let go of Walsh 'short sighted' and said she belongs on air 

Reid called the decision to let go of Walsh ‘short sighted’ and said she belongs on air 

Other followers have expressed their dismay with the trending #KeepJoanWalsh tag. Katie Couric used the hashtag to display her own displeasure with the news of Walsh’s departure and lamented she loved hearing Walsh’s perspective. 

Walsh reacted on Twitter Saturday morning. ‘So it’s true: after 12 years on MSNBC, six on contract, I learned Friday night they are not renewing,’ she said. ‘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.’

‘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,’ she continued.

MSNBC, in a statement to the Wrap, said the decision to not renew the contributor was based on a review of their paid contributor list.

‘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. Joan Walsh has been a key voice on MSNBC for years and she’s absolutely still welcome.’

Even Walsh's news collegue Katie Couric tweeted her support of Joan Walsh, urging MSNBC over Twitter to keep her on

Even Walsh’s news collegue Katie Couric tweeted her support of Joan Walsh, urging MSNBC over Twitter to keep her on

The Keep Joan Walsh hashtag was trending on Twitter, Couric added to the chorus of voices

The Keep Joan Walsh hashtag was trending on Twitter, Couric added to the chorus of voices

Other fan’s of Walsh said on Twitter that they were calling MSNBC.

An MSNMBC watcher, Emilie Pollack tweeted Saturday, ‘When you tell your mom about @joanwalsh and she proceeds to call @MSNBC and leaves a message saying ‘How dare you @MSNBC ,’ Walsh responded, ‘It’s true: Moms love me.’

Even actor Ron Perlman spoke out taking to Twitter say Walsh is ‘a beautiful voice for decency and fair play!’

 



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