MSNBC dropped far-left political commentator Joan Walsh from its list of paid contributors on Friday, prompting an online backlash from angry progressives about what they deemed the sidelining of a prominent feminist voice.
Walsh is a national affairs correspondent for The Nation who previously was editor-at-large for Salon. She confirmed the news on her Twitter account and described herself as surprised and upset at the decision.
So it’s true: after 12 years on MSNBC, six on contract, 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.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
"Every year we review our paid contributors list across the ideological spectrum," MSNBC told CNN's Brian Stelter about the decision. "Unfortunately we couldn’t renew Joan, but she and her distinct perspective will still be invited on our shows."
Walsh retweeted people slamming MSNBC for its decision, with some saying it was particularly objectionable in the context of the network keeping on conservative voices like Hugh Hewitt.
MSNBC, which leans left and has an entirely progressive nighttime lineup, has seen a ratings surge in 2017 due to its critical coverage of the Trump administration.
At one point, #KeepJoanWalsh was a trending hashtag on Twitter.
I'm trying to go to sleep and then someone tells me #keepjoanwalsh is trending. Thanks, everyone.
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
So much great about today, honestly, but the voices of the women I love is keeping me sane. I'm blessed. https://t.co/wheJLwqPMK
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
Love you @JoyAnnReid. We'll persevere. https://t.co/luatNuJQjU
— Joan Walsh (@joanwalsh) December 23, 2017
Among the objecting voices were progressive MSNBC hosts Joy Reid and Chris Hayes.
@joanwalsh is indispensable.
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) December 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/JoyAnnReid/status/944445464740589568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fdailycaller.com%2F2017%2F12%2F23%2Fprominent-liberal-joan-walsh-fired-from-msnbc%2F
https://twitter.com/JoyAnnReid/status/944446583537590273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fdailycaller.com%2F2017%2F12%2F23%2Fprominent-liberal-joan-walsh-fired-from-msnbc%2F
https://twitter.com/KateHarding/status/944429341001347074
https://twitter.com/sbagen/status/944578745083551751
I've had the pleasure of appearing on several MSNBC panels with the always insightful, thoughtful, prepared & entertaining @joanwalsh and can't for the life of me understand why the network is letting her go. #KeepJoanWalsh pic.twitter.com/UnjkvYFNss
— Fernand R. Amandi (@AmandiOnAir) 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
I feel lucky to be among the many women who can say this: @joanwalsh was a voice of encouragement when I was first starting out, when encouragement - in particular from women - was hard to find. You may not always agree with her, but we'd all be worse off without her voice.
— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) December 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/owillis/status/944459556834422785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fdailycaller.com%2F2017%2F12%2F23%2Fprominent-liberal-joan-walsh-fired-from-msnbc%2F
@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
That @MSNBC is letting @JoanWalsh go is a MAJOR MISTAKE.
Joan is simply one of the finest, sharpest minds out there, as well as an indefatigable champion of women, minorities and the most vulnerable Americans. And Joan
ALWAYS
BRINGS
THE FACTS. #KeepJoanWalsh— ZZ Packer (@zzpacker) December 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/nicoleaoii/status/944455071185678336
https://twitter.com/Shakestweetz/status/944597820627214336
Hey MSNBC! When Joan Walsh comes on I keep watching. When Hugh Hewitt comes on I clean the litter box. #keepjoanwalsh
— Richard U. (@sinistra00) December 23, 2017
RT if you agree @MSNBC should #KeepJoanWalsh!
— Scott Dworkin (@funder) December 23, 2017
UPDATE: Sunday, 7:44 A.M.: Walsh announced Saturday she had been hired by CNN.
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