Rashida Jones Named MSNBC President, Becomes First Black Woman To Lead Major News Cable Network

Rashida Jones has been named the new president of MSNBC news network, in succession to Phil Griffin. In doing so, Jones will become the first Black woman to ever lead a major cable news network in the US. Griffin, who has been with MSNBC for 25 years beginning with its inception, has served as president since 2008. Currently serving in the role of senior vice president of NBC News and MSNBC, Jones is expected to replace Griffin when he steps down early next year, according to reports.

NBC News reports Jones' joining date will be February 1, 2021. Cesar Conde, chairman of NBCUniversal’s news operations, was quoted saying, "Rashida knows and understands MSNBC, in part because it’s where she started when she first joined NBCU seven years ago. She knows that it is the people who work here that make it great, and she understands its culture. She also appreciates the impact and potential of the brand."

On Griffin, Conde said, "Phil has built something remarkable. He leaves the network in the best shape it has ever been. Six straight record years. Each one better than the last."

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Rashida Jones' Role At NBC News

44-year-old Jones has been leading major newsbreaks and reporting events at the network, including the recent US presidential election, complex debates, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other live programming. She also guided coverage during the Black Lives Matter and anti-racism protests that broke out in the US earlier this year.

Jones' relationship with NBC News began 35 years ago as a producer on the TODAY show, following which she was reportedly the news director for the NBC affiliate in Columbia, South Carolina. She has served on various seats at the network throughout her career. (NBC Universal is the parent company of NBC News, and owns MSNBC, according to the channel itself.)

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On social media, many have hailed the decision to name Jones as president by MSNBC. Parks and Recreation actress Rashida Jones, her namesake, also marked the occasion, saying she was "proud to share a name" with her.

Source: Rashida Jones / Instagram

About Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is an American television executive, who has served in various roles at the MSNBC cable news network. A journalism graduate from Hampton University, Jones has, in her leadership positions, led major stories on NBC News, and is known in media circles for her journalistic prowess in guiding significant newsbreaks. Currently serving in the role of senior vice president at MSNBC, she is due to take over from Phil Griffin as president in February 2021.