Joy-Ann M. Lomena-Reid is popularly known as Joy Reid. She is a distinguished American progressive political commentator, television host, and author. She has become a notable figure in political journalism, with an extensive career that spans various roles at MSNBC. From hosting The Reid Report (2014–2015) to AM Joy (2016–2020), and later The ReidOut (2020–2025), Reid has been at the forefront of political commentary. Her sharp insights, critical perspectives, and in-depth analysis of socio-political issues have made her one of the most influential voices in American media.
Apart from her television career, Reid has authored three books and teaches at Syracuse University. Her personal life, including details about her husband, upbringing, and financial success, has intrigued many. In this article, we will delve into her life, career, net worth, and more.
Early Life and Education
She was born on December 8, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, Joy Reid had a multicultural upbringing. Her father hailed from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while her mother was a Guyanese college professor and nutritionist. Raised Methodist, she had a brother and a sister. After her parents’ divorce, Reid lived in Denver, Colorado, before moving back to Brooklyn following her mother’s passing due to breast cancer.
Reid pursued higher education at Harvard University, graduating in 1991 with a concentration in film studies. Her transition from a predominantly African American community to Harvard was challenging, yet she adapted and excelled. She managed her tuition and expenses independently, a testament to her resilience and determination.
Career Journey
Joy Reid’s career in journalism began in 1997 when she left her consulting job in New York to work for WSVN Channel 7 in South Florida. She briefly left journalism in 2003 to work with America Coming Together, opposing the Iraq War and George W. Bush’s presidency. However, she soon returned to broadcasting, hosting a talk radio show and contributing to Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.
Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she hosted The Reid Report on MSNBC. Despite its cancellation in 2015, she remained with the network as a national correspondent. In 2016, she launched AM Joy, a weekend political talk show that gained massive popularity, averaging nearly a million weekly viewers by 2018. Reid also played a significant role in digital journalism, managing The Grio (2011–2014) and writing for the Miami Herald (2003–2015).
In July 2020, MSNBC appointed Reid as the host of The ReidOut, making her the first Black woman to anchor a primetime show on cable news. However, in February 2025, The New York Times reported the show’s cancellation.
Who Is Joy Reid’s Husband?
Joy Reid is married to Jason Reid, a documentary film editor and writer. The couple has been together for decades, sharing a strong and supportive relationship. Jason has an extensive background in television editing and production, contributing significantly to media and film projects. The couple shares three children and maintains a relatively private family life despite Joy’s public persona.
Joy Reid’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Joy Reid’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. Her income primarily stems from her work as a television host, journalist, and author. Throughout her career, she has earned lucrative salaries at MSNBC, with reports indicating that her annual salary was approximately $1.5 million during her tenure at The ReidOut.
Apart from her broadcasting career, Reid has diversified her income through book sales and university teaching. Her books, including Fracture: Barack Obama, the Clintons, and the Racial Divide (2016), The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story (2019), and Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America (2024), have contributed to her financial stability.
Books and Writing Career
Joy Reid has made a significant impact in political literature. Her first book, Fracture, delves into racial politics during Barack Obama’s presidency. Her second book, The Man Who Sold America, examines Donald Trump’s influence on American democracy. Her latest book, Medgar and Myrlie, explores the civil rights movement through the lens of Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ love story.
Her writing is characterized by sharp political analysis and historical insights. Apart from books, she has contributed columns to The Miami Herald and managed political blogs that shaped digital political discourse.
Awards and Recognition
Reid’s contributions to journalism have not gone unnoticed. She has received multiple accolades, including:
- The Women’s Media Center’s Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award (2016)
- Three NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards (2018) for her work covering Charlottesville, hurricane damages in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Kalief Browder Story
- Recognition as a top tweeted journalist in 2017
Additionally, she delivered the inaugural Ida B. Wells lecture at Wake Forest University and became a fellow at the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
Like many media figures, Joy Reid has faced public scrutiny. In 2017 and 2018, old blog posts resurfaced, showing past remarks that were deemed homophobic and anti-Semitic. Reid initially claimed hacking, but later apologized, stating the posts were “insensitive, tone-deaf, and dumb.” While some critics called for her dismissal, her apology received mixed reactions, often divided along political lines.
Despite the controversies, Reid continued to maintain her position at MSNBC, and her influence in political journalism remained strong.
Conclusion:
Joy Reid’s journey from a young girl in Brooklyn to a trailblazing journalist and television host is inspiring. Her resilience, hard work, and commitment to political journalism have made her one of the most recognizable voices in the media. With a career spanning decades, an impressive portfolio of books, and a reputation as a fearless commentator, Reid has cemented her legacy in American journalism.
Despite controversies and challenges, she continues to influence public discourse, proving that journalism is not just about reporting the news but also shaping conversations that drive change.
FAQs
- What is Joy Reid’s current job?
As of 2025, Joy Reid continues her work as a political commentator and author despite The ReidOut being canceled. - How many children does Joy Reid have?
Joy Reid has three children with her husband, Jason Reid. - What are Joy Reid’s most popular books?
Her notable books include Fracture, The Man Who Sold America, and Medgar and Myrlie. - What was Joy Reid’s salary at MSNBC?
She reportedly earned around $1.5 million per year while hosting The ReidOut. - Has Joy Reid won any awards for journalism?
Yes, she has received several awards, including three NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards and the Carol Jenkins Visible and Powerful Media Award.
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