The former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross recently discussed her struggles and experiences working there in the most recent episode of her new podcast, “Native Land Pod.” Known for her work as the host of the weekend show “The Cross Connection,” Cross was open about the “continuous criticism” she received from network management, including their questioning of her IQ.
Many were taken aback when Cross abruptly left MSNBC in November 2022 after the network declined to extend her contract after two years. Sources at the time claimed that the non-renewal was due to “bad judgment” and “repeated bad behavior on and off-air.” Cross, though, has now shared her viewpoint on what transpired before her departure.
Cross talked about her time at MSNBC during an appearance on “Native Land Pod,” which she co-hosted with former CNN contributor Angela Rye and former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. She remembered doing guest presenting on Joy Reid’s weekend show on a regular basis when she was trying out for a paid job at the network.
Cross observed that the network’s emphasis frequently conflicted with her approach to the show’s substance. She sought to address a wide range of issues important to different groups, such as the cruel treatment of prisoners, Black men’s mental health, and the marginalization of Afro-Latinos. She resisted, though, believing that MSNBC executives were pressuring her to keep the attention on then-President Trump.
She claimed that meetings with network executives were patronizing and that her scripts were frequently inspected and critiqued, which she believed was not done to the same extent for her White male colleagues. Cross highlighted how well her show was doing in the ratings and said she didn’t understand why the network wasn’t happy.
Cross also discussed contentious issues, including her remarks on Comedy Central on Florida and her allusion to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, which she claims further soured her relationship with the network executives.
Cross felt singled out and dehumanized by the sudden termination of her employment at MSNBC, especially since she was not given the chance to sign off or have a farewell show. She believes insulting “White conservatives” had a role in her termination, and she claims the network planted unfavorable press articles about her.
Cross’s podcast discoveries provided insight into the inner workings and difficulties of mainstream media, especially for hosts who want to broaden the scope and diversity of news programming. Her experience serves as a reminder of how difficult it may be to balance network expectations with editorial freedom in the modern media environment.
A request for response on Cross’s remarks was not immediately answered by MSNBC.