Rachel Maddow is in the middle of contract extension talks with MSNBC and its parent company NBCUniversal.
As discussions are ongoing, the host has decided to tap superagent and Endeavor Talent Agency CEO Ari Emanuel and president Mark Shapiro to represent her in these negotiations, per The Daily Beast.
“Nothing has been decided. We are deep into it with NBCUniversal, and Rachel has an excellent relationship with them,” Shapiro said.
Meanwhile, MSNBC is keeping a tight lip when it comes to their contract talks with Maddow. “We don’t comment on employee matters,” MSNBC spokesperson Lorie Acio wrote.
According to people close to the situation, Maddow seriously contemplates departing MSNBC when her contract expires early next year. As discussions drag on, the appeal to convey her brand elsewhere or begin her own lucrative media company grows.
The Daily Beast adds in its report that the network is taking significant steps to retain Maddow. The media outlet hopes to keep Maddow by reducing her schedule to accommodate Maddow’s desire to lighten her hosting load.
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
