MSNBC’s promotion of its five female anchors prompted a fierce backlash from Twitter users because the women are all white.
In a tweet, MSNBC shared an article from the Los Angeles Times that reported on Stephanie Ruhle, Katy Tur, Hallie Jackson, Nicolle Wallace, and Andrea Mitchell.
The five female anchors who now shape most of the daytime news programming at MSNBC. https://t.co/VJniTZEIZU
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) June 6, 2019
Many took issue with the lack of representation of black, Asian, or Muslim women.
Congrats to all. They are great, sharp and this is well earned. But there are no people of color in this photo. It’s 2019. It’s America. There’s no excuses. And everyone should be embarrassed by it. https://t.co/NjYx9hHx5z
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) June 6, 2019
In 2019, MSNBC can do better. #DiversityandInclusion https://t.co/yDYEM9U5MW
— Kristen Clarke (@KristenClarkeJD) June 6, 2019
your newsroom needs more black people https://t.co/YgoqVX01mf
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) June 6, 2019
Zero women of color in this picture. https://t.co/16g4EMVm34
— Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) June 6, 2019
When the term “women” is used, it’s hardly ever used inclusively I noticed
— Exavier Pope (@exavierpope) June 6, 2019
ZERO. #PayAttention https://t.co/UDSx9ByUyn
— Maysoon (@maysoonzayid) June 6, 2019
While not included in the photo or the article, Joy Reid, who is black, hosts the weekend show “AM Joy” for the network.
“When I started at NBC, I’m quite sure there wasn’t a plan or initiative that we need to make sure the girls are anchoring the shows,” Ruhle told the Los Angeles Times. “I think it worked out that way because it’s who rose to the level at that point.”
Mitchell said: “Our leaders, our company are so committed to women’s advancement. I know this better than anyone, having been here 41 years. I’ve seen it evolve. I’ve seen it when it was not so great in the ’80s and ’90s.”
