Rachel Maddow Stays at MSNBC with Shocking $5 Million Pay Cut

Rachel Maddow Stays at MSNBC with Shocking $5 Million Pay Cut.

MSNBC is facing some tough times, and even its top star, Rachel Maddow, isn't escaping the budget cuts. According to The Ankler, a showbiz newsletter, Maddow has signed a new five-year deal with the network, but her salary is taking a hit, dropping from $30 million to $25 million over that period.

An unnamed TV exec shared that despite the pay cut, MSNBC was eager to keep Maddow on the team:

"It's a challenging moment, and they had to hold onto her. No one else can replicate what she brings to the table. You can't just create a brand like hers overnight."

Maddow seems to think MSNBC is still the best fit for her, even if she could score a better paycheck elsewhere. However, her negotiations with Comcast come at a time when the company is reportedly planning to spin off its NBC-branded channels, including MSNBC and CNBC, into a new entity called SpinCo, led by NBCUniversal Chairman Mark Lazarus.

This transition is expected to wrap up by the end of next year and might involve selling the channels, either as a package or individually. Interestingly, Elon Musk, who has been quite critical of networks like MSNBC, has even hinted at the possibility of buying the channel, though it's unclear how serious he is about that.

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MSNBC might be having a tough time with ratings, especially with the recent presidential election causing some confusion (like how "Morning Joe" has taken a hit after Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski met with Donald Trump), but Maddow is still considered a major draw, with one executive even calling her "ratings Viagra."

Even though she’s facing a pay cut, Maddow is set to explore a bunch of creative projects alongside her usual show. She’s expected to produce documentaries and podcasts as part of her deal and will act as a "secret weapon" for other MSNBC shows when big news breaks.

Rachel Maddow remains a key asset to MSNBC, securing a new five-year deal despite a salary reduction from $30 million to $25 million. Even with the pay cut, the network is eager to retain her, recognizing her irreplaceable role and influence. Maddow’s unique brand continues to draw viewers, with one executive even calling her "ratings Viagra."

Alongside her regular show, Maddow will explore new creative ventures, producing documentaries and podcasts, and serving as a vital contributor during major news events. Her continued presence and creative expansion solidify her status as a central figure in the network's future.