Izzy Povich, the MSNBC veteran who played an instrumental rise in the network’s past primetime success, is leaving the NBCUniversal-owned cable-news outlet after 19 years.
Povich, a former senior producer on both Lawrence O’Donnell’s primetime program as well as Keith Olbermann’s now-defunct “Countdown,” had been assigned to help change MSNBC’s daytime lineup and help it focus more on breaking news. In March, Janelle Rodriguez, an NBC News senior vice president who once held a senior role at CNN, was given an assignment that focused on coordinating resources between NBC News and MSNBC, which are sharing more resources during daytime hours.
“Izzy has MSNBC running through her veins. She’s dealt with historic news stories, historic egos, colorful personalities – and done it all with her trademark humor. She’s been at the heart of so much that has happened here, and has touched virtually everyone who has come through our doors, both as a leader and a mentor,” said MSNBC President Phil Griffin in a memo to staff sent Tuesday. “She’s a brilliant and creative producer, a skillful manager, a fearless fighter and a great friend.”
MSNBC’s daytime ratings have improved in recent months as it has jettisoned programming that was more partisan in nature in favor of breaking-news content.
Povich had been vice president of talent and development for the network, a title she was given in 2013.
In the memo, Griffin said he expected to unveil more news about leadership of the network’s daytime programming “in the coming days.”
