MSNBC has tapped experienced journalist Sudeep Reddy to lead its newly established Washington bureau, marking a significant milestone as the network moves toward editorial independence. This move comes as part of Comcast’s larger reorganisation strategy, which includes spinning off MSNBC into an independent entity, severing its corporate connection with NBCUniversal.
Reddy, 45, steps into the role with a rich background in journalism leadership. At Politico, he served as senior managing editor, overseeing 150 journalists and directing content for the White House beat, Playbook, audio formats, digital projects, and overall newsroom operations. His prior experience includes 10 years at The Wall Street Journal as an economics editor and earlier reporting work at The Dallas Morning News.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler announced his appointment on Thursday, framing the move as part of a strategy to deliver more substantial journalism. “Our audience seeks smart, contextual reporting,” she told The New York Times. “Sudeep is the ideal person to assemble a Washington team for this critical time.”
Reddy will officially begin his new position on June 16, reporting to Scott Matthews, Senior Vice President of Newsgathering, and working closely with Erin Zimmerman, Vice President of Newsgathering. Though the bureau will be located in the Hall of States alongside NBC News, it will operate independently.
In a memo, Matthews highlighted that the bureau’s focus won’t be limited to Capitol Hill happenings. Instead, it will examine how political decisions affect lives across the U.S. and globally. “This is about broadening the impact of our coverage,” he stated.
Reddy’s journalism has earned numerous distinctions, including awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and the National Press Foundation’s Thomas L. Stokes Award for energy journalism. He has also been honored by the Associated Press Managing Editors of Texas and the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
Reddy, a Brown University alumnus, studied bioethics and history while serving as the executive editor of The Brown Daily Herald. He has taught journalism at Georgetown University and sits on the boards of the National Press Foundation and the International Center for Journalists. His previous leadership roles include national secretary for the South Asian Journalists Association and treasurer for the Asian American Journalists Association of Texas.
This leadership shift comes as MSNBC prepares to invest in hiring over 100 new journalists, reinforcing its focus on high-quality reporting at a time when many media outlets are downsizing. The expansion also aims to rebuild its viewership following a ratings decline post-election.
