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The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has expressed strong concerns over recent programming changes at NBCUniversal, particularly the removal of Joy Reid from her primetime slot. During a meeting with NBCUniversal’s head of diversity yesterday, NABJ leadership addressed the impact of these decisions on Black journalists and broader representation in media.

Reid, a veteran journalist and host of The ReidOut, was a prominent Black voice in political commentary. Despite NBCUniversal’s reassurances of commitment to diversity, NABJ remains disappointed by her departure and the broader trend of Black talent disproportionately affected by corporate restructuring. While Symone Sanders-Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez will take over Reid’s former time slot, the concern remains that industry-wide shifts continue to sideline Black perspectives in mainstream media.

NABJ also noted that NBCUniversal’s decisions have affected other journalists and commentators from diverse backgrounds. The organization warns that reducing Black voices limits the coverage of critical issues and the diversity of perspectives in news reporting.

As discussions with NBCUniversal continue, NABJ urges media companies to strengthen their commitment to diversity by ensuring more Black journalists and commentators have opportunities to contribute. The association emphasizes that networks should add, rather than subtract, diverse voices both in front of and behind the camera to foster fairer representation and inclusive storytelling.