Rachel Maddow to temporarily step away from nightly news programme to pursue other projects, report says

Rotating slate of hosts is expected to fill in

Rachel Maddow (Getty Images for NBC)

Longtime MSNBC anchor Rachel Maddow will temporarily step away from her nightly prime time news programme to pursue other projects, including movies and podcasts, according to a new report.

Business Insider’s Claire Atkinson reported that Ms Maddow would alert her viewers of the news on Monday night and that she would vow to be back in “a few weeks”.

Ms Maddow has been a ratings draw for the network for years, anchoring MSNBC’s prime time lineup and a mainstay during special coverage such as political elections and presidential addresses.

The Hollywood Reporter cited a source claiming that Ms Maddow will announce the development on her show on Monday evening (31 January), and that “a rotating group of hosts” will fill in for her.

Ms Maddow will reportedly still contribute coverage for major events.

The exact duration of the reported hiatus wasn’t immediately known, though The Hollywood Reporter’s source told the publication it would last “several weeks”.

According to Deadline, Ms Maddow signed a new agreement last year spanning several years, under which she is to develop new projects for NBCUniversal, MSNBC’s parent company.

The planned hiatus is understood to be a part of that contract.

The Independent has contacted NBCUniversal for comment.