What Is Phil Griffin's Salary at MSNBC?
What kind of salary has Phil Griffin earned as the president of MSNBC over the past 12 years? How has he helped the network grow?
Dec. 8 2020, Published 12:19 p.m. ET
Phil Griffin speaking at an event in 2018.
Phil Griffin has been the president of MSNBC since 2008. He has been involved with the network since July of 1996 when it initially launched as a new cable news outlet. While Griffin's exact salary isn't known publicly, he has likely earned a substantial salary in the executive role.
Variety magazine noted that Griffin has produced programs including Hardball with Chris Matthews, Internight, and The Big Show with Keith Olbermann. He was a senior broadcast producer for NBC Nightly News With Tom Brokaw.
Why is Phil Griffin retiring?
CNN reported that Phil Griffin will retire from MSNBC in January 2021. Rashida Jones will replace him on Feb. 1. Jones will be the first-ever Black woman charged with leading a major television news network.
In his multi-decade career, Griffin worked in various media roles including writing, producing, and editing. He started in 1980 at CNN. Later, he was a producer of The Today Show. He also served as senior vice president of NBC News for three years and as the president of primetime programming at MSNBC.
According to NBCUniversal News Group chair Cesar Conde, Griffin spoke to him about leaving the network shortly after the presidential election in November. Griffin wanted to leave his position as MSNBC president when he felt “confident about the strength of the network he loves,” Conde said.
Conde said that Griffin plans to pursue other interests outside of the news.
The network posted record-breaking viewership numbers for November. On Dec. 7, Griffin wrote that he told NBC leadership following Election Day that “the time felt right to hang up my cleats,” according to The New York Times.
The New York Times reported Griffin’s farewell memo and shared memories of his long career with NBC. Well-known journalists including Jane Pauley, Bryant Gumbel, and Tom Brokaw were included in Griffin’s recollections with the network.
What is Phil Griffin’s salary at MSNBC?
In his time as president of MSNBC, Griffin has likely commanded a top salary. He signed a new multi-year contract in 2017. However, the salary terms weren't disclosed publicly.
Griffin spearheaded popular shows like The Rachel Maddow Show and Morning Joe during his 12-year leadership role at MSNBC.
Conde noted in his memo to the NBC News staff that Griffin would be leaving the network “in the best shape it’s ever been,” according to APNews. MSNBC has grown for six consecutive years.
Conde’s message about Griffin’s retirement gave him credit for bringing aboard many of the talented people and successful shows that MSNBC has produced over the years.
Conde's memo, as shared on The Hollywood Reporter, said that Griffin had compiled “an extraordinary roster of anchors, journalists, producers, contributors and many more who each day create smart, in-depth news, analysis, and perspective and do it in a way that is distinctive in the cable news environment—with humanity that pops through the screen.”
Is Phil Griffin married?
Yes, Griffin has been married to Kory Kim Apton since 1997.
What is Phil Griffin’s net worth?
Phil Griffin is estimated to have a net worth of about $20 million, according to MoneyInc.