MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry Walks Out on Show

MSNBC has parted ways with Melissa Harris-Perry after the host of her self-titled weekend morning show refused to appear on the show amid several pre-emptions due to the network’s political coverage, according to The New York Times.

Network officials confirmed Sunday (Feb. 28) that it has "parted ways" with Perry and the Melissa Harris-Perry show, which launched in 2012 and focused on guest-driven discussion of political, cultural and community issues.

Previously, Harris-Perry told the Times that she would not appear on her show this weekend, adding that she was frustrated that her one-hour show has been off the air for several weekends due to special programming revolving around the 2016 Presidential campaign, according to the publication.

In response, an MSNBC spokesperson said in a statement: "In this exciting and unpredictable presidential primary season, many of our daytime programs have been temporarily upended by breaking political coverage, including MHP. This reaction is really surprising, confusing and disappointing."

In Harris-Perry’s absence, MSNBC news correspondent Joy Reid will host the network’s coverage of the South Carolina democratic primary this weekend during  Melissa Harris-Perry show’s scheduled 10 a.m. timeslot, according the  spokesperson.  

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.