Joy Reid, a well-known American television host, journalist, and author, has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025. Born on December 8, 1968, she is currently 56 years old. Best recognized for her work on MSNBC, Reid has built her career in political commentary, broadcasting, and writing. Her thought-provoking discussions and insightful political analysis have made her a recognizable face in mainstream media. However, her career has also faced controversies that sparked debates across the political spectrum.
Where Did Joy Reid Grow Up and Study?
Joy-Ann M. Lomena, popularly known as Joy Reid, was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to a politically active mother and an engineer father from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After her parents’ divorce, she spent much of her childhood in Denver, Colorado. However, at 17, following her mother’s passing due to breast cancer, she relocated to Brooklyn, where she lived with her aunt. She pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a degree in film studies in 1991.
How Did Joy Reid Start Her Journalism Career?
Reid began her media career in 1997, leaving her corporate job to join WSVN Channel 7 in South Florida as a morning show host. Over the years, she transitioned into political journalism, working with the Miami Herald as a political columnist and serving as the managing editor of The Grio from 2011 to 2014. Her early career also included co-hosting the Wake Up South Florida radio show and contributing to political discourse through her blog, The Reid Report.
Which MSNBC Shows Has Joy Reid Hosted?
Reid has had a long association with MSNBC, hosting multiple shows over the years:
- The Reid Report (2014–2015): A daily news program covering political affairs.
- AM Joy (2016–2020): A weekend morning political talk show that gained popularity during the Trump administration.
- The ReidOut (2020–2025): A primetime political commentary show that made her the first Black woman to host a primetime show on MSNBC.
However, The ReidOut was canceled in February 2025, marking the end of her long-running role as a primetime host.
What Are Joy Reid’s Published Books?
Apart from her television career, Reid has established herself as an author, publishing books on American politics and racial issues:
- Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide (2014) – Analyzing racial politics in the Obama era.
- The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story (2019) – A critique of former President Donald Trump’s impact on American politics.
- We Are the Change We Seek: The Speeches of Barack Obama (2017) – A collection of Obama’s speeches, which she edited.
What Controversies Has Joy Reid Faced?
Throughout her career, Joy Reid has faced several controversies:
Homophobic Blog Posts (2017-2018)
Old blog posts from 2007-2009 resurfaced, where she used homophobic rhetoric to mock politicians and media figures. Initially, she claimed her blog had been hacked, but later, she issued an apology, calling the posts “insensitive and dumb.” The backlash led PFLAG, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, to revoke an award they had planned to give her.
Allegations of Anti-Semitism (2018)
Reid was also accused of making anti-Semitic remarks in past blog posts. The Zionist Organization of America demanded her removal from MSNBC, claiming she spread conspiracy theories about Jewish influence in politics. She later apologized, stating she had evolved and no longer held those views.
What Awards and Recognition Has Joy Reid Received?
Despite controversies, Reid has been recognized for her contributions to journalism:
- Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award (2016)
- NABJ Salute to Excellence Award nominations (2018)
- NAACP Image Award nominations (2017, 2021, 2022) for her hosting roles on MSNBC.
Who Is Joy Reid’s Husband and Family?
Joy Reid married Jason Reid on February 27, 1997. He is a documentary film editor. The couple has three children and maintains a private family life despite Joy’s public career.
What’s Next for Joy Reid After MSNBC?
With The ReidOut canceled in 2025, questions remain about her next career move. Will she pivot to podcasting, independent media, or academia? Given her extensive experience, a transition to digital platforms or a new political commentary role seems likely.
Joy Reid remains a polarizing yet influential figure in American media. Whether through television, books, or digital media, her voice continues to shape political conversations.