Andrea Mitchell announces end of her MSNBC daytime show after 16 years, Internet says 'good riddance'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After 16 years on the air, 'Andrea Mitchell Reports' will officially end following the inauguration of the new president in January, as announced by Andrea Mitchell during her Tuesday broadcast on October 29.
However, the esteemed journalist has no intentions of retiring; she will continue her roles as chief foreign affairs correspondent and chief Washington correspondent for NBC News, a position solidified by a recent contract extension.
Andrea Mitchell reflects on tough decision to end show
Ending her show was a challenging decision for Andrea Mitchell, who explained, “It was such a tough decision. I wrestled with this for a long time,” in an interview with The Washington Post.
At 77, she feels motivated to return to more on-the-ground reporting, a field that has established her as a prominent figure in television news for nearly five decades.
She expressed a desire to cover significant stories from Ukraine, Cuba, and Sudan, stating, “It’s going to be such a big adventure for me. I think it’s going to be good for everybody. And I’m really excited about what I can do.”
Andrea Mitchell has decided to shift from her daily anchoring duties on MSNBC to a broader role at NBC News. The legendary and trailblazing reporter remains Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Chief Washington Correspondent.
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 29, 2024
Congrats, Andrea on 16 years at the anchor desk! pic.twitter.com/xmm1stuBA7
Mitchell joined NBC News in 1978 and has remained active in reporting, recently enduring a 48-hour work stint during a trip to the Middle East with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This experience highlighted the demanding nature of hosting a daily cable news show while fulfilling her correspondent duties. On the day of her trip, she left the studio just 35 minutes into her show to catch an international flight.
NBC colleagues celebrate Andrea Mitchell's legacy and mentorship in journalism
Rebecca Blumenstein, NBC News’ president of editorial, expressed enthusiasm for Andrea Mitchell’s return to field reporting, stating, “Being an anchor is pretty time-consuming. It’s time that she doesn’t have to be doing reporting that can resonate across NBC.”
Blumenstein praised Mitchell’s dedication, saying, “She’s not only tireless, she has an enthusiasm and a drive and a grit to get the story that’s an example to me and everybody here.”
Mitchell’s career is characterized by her relentless pursuit of answers, often confronting powerful figures with tough questions.
In one instance in 2017, she was escorted out of the room after challenging then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin.
Journalist Brian Williams humorously remarked, “She’s been tossed out of even fancier places while trying to do her job.”
Colleagues have also highlighted Mitchell’s mentorship of aspiring female journalists at NBC. Kristen Welker, moderator of 'Meet the Press', and Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the 'Today' show, both acknowledged her impact.
Savannah Guthrie reflects on Mitchell's impact
Savannah Guthrie said, “Andrea was a legend when I started at the Washington bureau in 2007. Of course, I was completely intimidated by her. What I could have never known or expected was that she would turn into such an incredibly supportive colleague and mentor.”
Like others, Guthrie believes Mitchell will continue her journalism career, stating, “I don’t think Andrea will ever retire. So I’m happy that we still have her in house and we still get the benefit of her knowledge.”
For Mitchell, this transition represents an opportunity to return to her roots. She expressed gratitude for the chance to “prove myself again,” saying, “It’s like being a cub reporter. I’m excited.”
As she embarks on a new chapter, her legacy and influence in journalism remain strong.
Internet has mixed reactions to Andrea Mitchell’s departure
Following the announcement of Andrea Mitchell's departure from her MSNBC show, social media erupted with mixed reactions.
One user wrote, "To say it was time for this to happen is an understatement. She seems more willing to condone than condemn RW craziness. I never felt like she was standing up for the views and concerns of all of us. Adios Andrea."
To say it was time for this to happen is an understatement. She seems more willing to condone than condemn RW craziness. I never felt like she was standing up for the views and concerns of all of us. Adios Andrea.
— Anna Baxter (@MsAnnaBaxter) October 29, 2024
Another user replied, "They say a lady knows when to leave. Too bad it took Andrea about 13 years. But at least Andrea can enjoy her naps at home instead of on air."
They say a lady knows when to leave. Too bad it took Andrea about 13 years.
— Alejandro Sosa’s Wife⚜️Childless Cat Lady (@SaintMystic) October 29, 2024
But at least Andrea can enjoy her naps at home instead of on air.
One added, "Congratulations, Andrea, on having one of the longest, most stellar careers in tv news, & for being a trailblazer for women in the business."
Congratulations, Andrea, on having one of the longest, most stellar careers in tv news, & for being a trailblazer for women in the business.
— bbuckley (@bbuckley88) October 29, 2024
"This is good, she has had a good run and it’s time for her to step back and let others take the role," said another.
This is good, she has had a good run and it’s time for her to step back and let others take the role
— UnitedWeStand (@DividedWeFa11) October 30, 2024
One replied, "Thank god, go away."
Another commented, "Ouch. She got demoted."
One said, "Break out the champagne."
Another person replied, "Andrea Mitchell announces that she is stepping away from her daily show on MSNBC after 16 years. Good riddance. I can't stand her."
Andrea Mitchell announces that she is stepping away from her daily show on MSNBC after 16 years.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 29, 2024
Good riddance.
I can't stand her. pic.twitter.com/aJlrBbGeAB
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.