MSNBC anchor Ari Melber is exploring options to leave the network, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The 45-year-old host of “The Beat” has been meeting with rival networks and considering launching his own media company as the cable news landscape continues shifting.
Two sources told Breaker that Melber is weighing his departure from MSNBC as the network prepares for its upcoming spinoff from NBCUniversal into a new company called Versant. The discussions come at a time when MSNBC faces declining ratings and significant programming changes under new leadership.
Melber has hosted “The Beat” since 2017 in the network’s coveted 6 p.m. time slot, establishing himself as one of MSNBC’s ratings winners. The show currently ranks fourth among the network’s programs and performs particularly well on YouTube, which figures prominently into new MSNBC boss Rebecca Kutler’s growth strategy. Industry analysts note that clips from Melber’s show have generated over 1.5 billion views overall.
The timing of Melber’s potential departure coincides with broader upheaval at MSNBC. Earlier this year, Kutler implemented a programming overhaul that resulted in the cancellation of several shows. Joy Reid lost her primetime slot, while Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart and Ayman Mohyeldin also saw their programs cut, though Capehart and Mohyeldin will move to new roles within the network.
Last month the network also lost election coverage specialist Steve Kornacki, who opted to sign with NBC News rather than remain with MSNBC during the corporate transition. Kornacki, known for his data-driven election night updates, will now focus on programs like “Meet the Press,” “Today” and “NBC Nightly News.”
Melber’s show has distinguished itself by securing interviews across the political spectrum, including Trump administration figures such as border czar Tom Homan, trade adviser Peter Navarro, former campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski, and current White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The program also featured notable moments, including Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn’s admission about helping lead the fake elector plot in 2020.
The anchor serves dual roles as both host and chief legal correspondent for MSNBC. Before joining the network, Melber worked as a legislative aide for Washington Senator Maria Cantwell and on John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. He earned his law degree from Cornell.
MSNBC has faced significant ratings challenges in recent months. In the 25-54 demographic, the network averaged 55,000 viewers in December, compared to 114,000 in December 2023. By May, MSNBC experienced a 29 percent decline in total viewers and a 40 percent drop in the key demographic during primetime hours. For the week of May 12, the network averaged 532,000 total viewers.
The potential loss of Melber would represent another blow to MSNBC’s lineup, particularly given Rachel Maddow’s reduced schedule. Maddow returned to broadcasting five nights per week only for the first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term, then reverted to her once-weekly format. Network executives are closely monitoring how the reshuffled evening schedule performs with hosts including Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez, and Jen Psaki.
Industry observers note that making overtures to competitors often serves as a negotiation tactic for on-air personalities seeking more favorable contract terms with their current employers. With the Versant spinoff scheduled for later this year, the next few months will reveal whether Melber secures a role in MSNBC’s new corporate structure or pursues opportunities elsewhere.
Earlier this year, Melber defended MSNBC against criticism, telling Forbes that “MSNBC is doing great.” He emphasized the network’s strong performance compared to competitors, noting victories over ESPN and CNN in television ratings and success against Fox News on YouTube. Melber also acknowledged the post-election ratings decline while expressing confidence that viewers would return for compelling coverage.
Both Melber and MSNBC representatives declined to comment on the reported discussions. The network continues preparing for its transition to Versant under the leadership of Mark Lazarus, while implementing changes designed to stabilize ratings and attract younger audiences in an increasingly competitive cable news environment.