Rebecca Kutler, president of MSNBC, has appointed veteran journalist Sudeep Reddy to oversee the network’s new Washington, D.C. bureau. Reddy, known for his economics expertise, represents Kutler’s latest strategic decision since she assumed leadership at MSNBC in February.
At 45, Reddy brings extensive experience in straight news reporting to the network, having previously served as senior managing editor at Politico, where he led a team of around 330 journalists. His appointment might be unexpected for some, given his neutral reporting style, which contrasts with MSNBC’s progressive reputation.
Scott Matthews, MSNBC’s senior vice president of newsgathering, announced that Reddy will begin his role as Washington Bureau Chief on June 16. In a memo, Matthews highlighted Reddy’s responsibility for the creation and leadership of the bureau and its operations in Washington, D.C., including assembling a team to cover all aspects of the nation’s capital.
Kutler described MSNBC’s audience as valuing intellectual journalism that provides analysis and context. She noted that Reddy will establish and lead a significant Washington reporting team, aligning with the current need for impactful journalism.
The network plans to hire over 220 journalists for its new Washington operations, including correspondents for the White House, Capitol Hill, the State Department, the Justice Department, and the Supreme Court. This effort comes as MSNBC prepares for its separation from NBC News and other NBCUniversal entities later this year.
Matthews emphasized that Reddy’s appointment underscores the importance of original and enterprise reporting for MSNBC’s future. He mentioned that the Washington team will focus on both internal affairs and the broader impact of decisions made in the capital.
Prior to joining Politico in 2017, Reddy worked at The Wall Street Journal for nearly a decade as a reporter and editor, with a focus on economics. His expertise in Washington policy likely influenced Kutler’s decision to appoint him to this vital role.
During his tenure at Politico, Reddy implemented various initiatives, including newsletters, podcasts, live events, and digital content. He also managed the strategy and operations for Politico Playbook during President Trump’s first term and created the newsroom’s first audio team.
Reddy has academic experience as well, having been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. from 2014 to 2021. A Texas native, he graduated from Brown University with degrees in biomedical ethics and American history.
The bureau that Reddy will oversee was announced earlier this year, shortly before Kutler made headlines by dismissing Joy Reid in one of her first significant actions as president. These moves are part of Kutler’s broader strategy for MSNBC, which saw a ratings increase during Trump’s first term but has since faced declines.
Upon completion of the separation from NBCUniversal, MSNBC will become part of a new company called Versant, which will include only Comcast cable channels. This transition necessitates the development of MSNBC’s own newsgathering operations, as it will no longer have access to NBC News resources.
The D.C. bureau will be located in the Hall of States building, the same complex where NBC News is currently situated. However, the network has clarified that it will operate independently from the broadcast outlet, which will cease to be a sister network.
In his new position, Reddy will report directly to Matthews and collaborate with Erin Zimmerman, vice president of newsgathering. He will lead a team expected to grow to more than 400 employees, significantly larger than the 150-person team he managed at Politico.
As MSNBC navigates this transition, Kutler’s choice of Reddy suggests a potential shift toward more balanced reporting while maintaining the network’s identity. This appointment is crucial as MSNBC prepares to operate independently while continuing to provide news coverage to its dedicated audience.
