Joy Reid revealed that despite outperforming some male colleagues on MSNBC, she was paid only a fraction of their salaries, and after The ReidOut was canceled, she launched The Joy Reid Show on YouTube to reclaim control, continue her work, and highlight industry pay inequities, leaving viewers both shocked and inspired.

Joy Reid Says She Was Paid 10% of What Some Fellow MSNBC Hosts Made

In a revealing turn of events, journalist and political commentator Joy Reid has spoken out about the stark pay disparities she faced during her tenure at MSNBC, shedding light on a longstanding issue of gender inequality in the media industry.

According to Reid, even at times when her ratings exceeded those of some of her male colleagues, she was compensated at a fraction of their salaries—reportedly receiving only about ten percent of what others earned—despite consistently putting in longer hours and conducting more extensive research for her nightly program, The ReidOut.

Reid made these revelations during a recent interview from her home studio in Washington, D.C., where she reflected candidly on her career trajectory and the challenges she faced as a prominent Black female journalist navigating a predominantly male-led cable news environment.

“It’s not just about the money—it’s about recognition, respect, and equity,” Reid said.

“I gave my all to The ReidOut. I produced original reporting, conducted in-depth interviews, and worked nights and weekends to make sure our stories resonated with viewers.

And yet, when it came to compensation, it was clear there was a vast gap between what I was paid and what my male peers were earning.”

Joy Reid Says She Was Paid 10% of What Some Fellow MSNBC Hosts Made

The discrepancy comes into sharp focus when considering Reid’s consistent performance in the ratings.

Over several quarters, The ReidOut ranked among the top programs in MSNBC’s evening lineup, frequently outperforming other anchors and generating strong viewer engagement.

Yet despite these successes, Reid was reportedly limited in her negotiating power and received compensation far below industry standards for comparable hosts, prompting questions about the network’s internal policies regarding pay equity and talent recognition.

The cancellation of The ReidOut earlier this year marked a turning point in Reid’s career, but rather than retreat from the public eye, she has used the moment as an opportunity to pivot toward independent media.

In July, she launched The Joy Reid Show on YouTube, a platform that allows her to maintain editorial control, engage directly with her audience, and continue building her personal brand without the constraints of a traditional cable news network.

“I’m excited to have a space where I can speak freely, choose the stories I want to cover, and connect with viewers on my own terms,” Reid said.

“The digital landscape gives me the flexibility to innovate, experiment, and expand beyond the limitations I faced on cable television.”

Joy Reid Says She Was Paid 10% of What Male MSNBC Hosts Made, Despite Higher Ratings

Industry observers note that Reid’s move to YouTube mirrors a broader trend in media, where established journalists and content creators are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to reach audiences directly.

By bypassing traditional networks, talent can maintain creative control, build subscription-based or ad-supported revenue streams, and engage in real-time audience feedback, all while avoiding some of the structural limitations and bureaucratic hurdles of mainstream media organizations.

Reid’s decision also highlights ongoing conversations around gender and racial equity in journalism.

Advocates point to her revelations as a high-profile example of systemic inequities, emphasizing that pay gaps persist even for high-profile figures who demonstrate consistent audience draw and professional excellence.

“Joy Reid’s experience is unfortunately not unique,” said one media analyst.

“It reflects broader structural challenges that many women, and particularly women of color, face in the industry.

Her move to an independent platform is both a response to inequity and a model for reclaiming agency in a challenging field.”

Since launching The Joy Reid Show on YouTube, Reid has produced a mix of political commentary, interviews, and investigative segments that reflect her signature style, blending sharp analysis with cultural insight.

Early metrics suggest a promising start, with viewer engagement and subscriber growth steadily increasing, signaling that her audience is eager to follow her beyond cable television.

While Reid has not publicly commented on her compensation negotiations with MSNBC, her disclosure has sparked widespread discussion on social media and in industry circles, prompting renewed scrutiny of pay practices at major networks.

Colleagues and supporters have praised her transparency, noting that public conversations about pay equity can have a ripple effect across the industry, encouraging other professionals to advocate for fair compensation.

Looking ahead, Reid appears determined to continue building her independent media presence while addressing issues of representation and fairness in journalism.

“This isn’t just about me,” she said. “It’s about creating a standard where talent is valued equitably, where women and people of color are recognized for their contributions, and where audiences have access to authentic voices unfiltered by outdated corporate structures.”

With a loyal viewership and growing influence in digital media, Joy Reid’s journey from cable news anchor to independent YouTube creator illustrates both the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary journalists, highlighting the power of resilience, creativity, and self-determination in an industry long criticized for inequities.