Joan Walsh, a political analyst on MSNBC, and former editor in chief and columnist of Salon, revealed on Saturday that her contract with MSNBC had not been renewed. She had been with the network for 12 years.
Walsh shared the news with nearly 299,000 fans on Twitter, shedding more light on what happened.
“I learned Friday night they are not renewing. 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,” Walsh said on Twitter. “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.”
A few hours later though, she revealed that she’ll be heading to CNN in 2018.
I am overwhelmed by the support I've received today from all of you. And I'm thrilled to tell you I'll be heading to @CNN in the new year. Thanks to everyone who made this happen. A Christmas miracle.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 24, 2017
A spokeswoman at CNN confirmed to the New York Times that Walsh will be joining as a commentator.
When news first broke about Walsh’s unexpected departure many people took to Twitter to voice their opposition, like Katie Couric, who used the hashtag #KeepJoanWalsh.
Ugh. Love Listening to Joan. #KeepJoanWalsh ❤️ https://t.co/w4ZTT1O7R6
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) December 23, 2017
More women shared their stories about how Walsh played a significant role in their careers, noting it was a strange time for MSNBC to let go of a leading feminist voice.
Many women citing @joanwalsh as an early champion; I’m among them. She encouraged me to write from feminist perspective more than a decade ago as an editor @salon. Strange time for MSNBC to jettison someone who’s long been committed to making space for & promoting other women.
— Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) December 23, 2017
@joanwalsh led Salon at a time when many of the young female journalists working for her were finding our voices and learning critical leadership skills. Joan pushed us and championed us. As @rtraister notes, it’s an odd moment for @msnbc to let go of a leading feminist voice.
— Lori Leibovich (@lorileibovich) December 23, 2017
I'm one of many people – WOMEN – who benefited from @joanwalsh's mentorship, wisdom and support. The reason this is getting so much traction is that it's a travesty (and feels like a slap in the face to women at this time, frankly). https://t.co/xiguflQN26
— Rachel Sklar (@rachelsklar) December 23, 2017
In a statement, according to the New York Times, MSNBC called Walsh “a key voice on MSNBC for years” and cited an annual review as the reason for not renewing her contract.
“Every year we review our paid contributors list across the ideological spectrum,” the statement said. “Unfortunately we couldn’t renew Joan, but she and her distinct perspective will still be invited on our shows.”
