Image

7:55 AM / Thursday March 28, 2024

11 Dec 2020

Rashida Jones replaces Phil Griffin as MSNBC president

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
December 11, 2020 Category: Week In Review Posted by:

ABOVE PHOTO: In this combination photo, Phil Griffin, left, speaks at the NBC Universal summer press tour, Aug. 2, 2011, in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Rashida Jones poses for a portrait. Griffin is stepping down after 12 years as MSNBC president and will be replaced by Rashida Jones, who has been head of breaking news at NBC and recently directed the network’s coverage of the 2020 election. She is the first Black executive to lead a cable news network.  (AP Photo, left, and MSNBC via AP)

By David Bauder

ASSOCIATED PRESS 

NEW YORK — Phil Griffin is stepping down as the longtime president of MSNBC, to be replaced early next year by rising NBC News executive Rashida Jones.

Griffin, 64, has worked at NBC News for 35 years and has been president of MSNBC since 2008. With a primetime lineup led by Rachel Maddow, it has become established as the favorite of those wanting news from a liberal perspective.

Jones, who has been with NBC News for the past seven years, is currently chief of breaking news and major events at the network. She just led the network’s coverage of the 2020 presidential election and the team preparing Kristen Welker as moderator of the third presidential debate.

She’s the first Black executive to lead one of the major cable networks. Cesar Conde, the new chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group, has made diversity one of his top priorities.

“She leads with a laser-like focus and grace under pressure,” Conde said.

Jones takes over on Feb. 1. Her immediate challenge will be leading the network into coverage of the Biden administration; many in the news industry have feared that the exit of President Donald Trump means the time of high ratings for news networks may be coming to an end.

Griffin is leaving the network, and it’s not immediately clear what he’ll be doing next. “Phil has built something remarkable,” Conde said in a memo to NBC News staff. “He leaves the network in the best shape it has ever been. Six straight record years. Each one better than the last.”

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Leave a Comment

Recent News

Philly NAACP

March 24, 2024

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email Tweet Email Related Posts Philadelphia Judicial Primary Candidates At A Glance Guide Philadelphia Judicial Candidates...

Commentary

cj speaks…The call to order

March 23, 2024

Tweet Email Philadelphia’s recent travesties continue to be highlighted in the news: the ongoing shooting incidents, train...

Health

Combatting loneliness in older adults

March 17, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURES The bonds found in friendships and other relationships are an important factor in...

Home and Garden

So, You want to build a retaining wall: 6 things to know before you start

March 3, 2024

Tweet Email BPT When you want to enhance your outdoor living space, consider building with retaining wall...

Fur Babies Rule!

Dog grooming advice to keep pets clean and healthy

March 2, 2024

Tweet Email FAMILY FEATURESRegular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but...

Seniors

‘Soaring’ over hills or ‘playing’ with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality

February 23, 2024

Tweet Email By Terry Spencerassociated press POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick taught computer...

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Staff