Who is Rebecca Kutler? Everything to know about MSNBC president as network's apology over Matthew Dowd's comments sparks outrage 

Current MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler recently issued an apology over analyst Matthew Dowd's comment on political activist Charlie Kirk's assassination. During Dowd's appearance on Katy Tur Reports on September 11, 2025, the political analyst suggested that Kirk's theories contributed to the violence that led to his demise.

“Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have and then saying these awful words and not expect awful actions to take place,” Dowd said.

Shortly after Matthew Dowd's comment went viral, it resulted in backlash against him and MSNBC, following a public apology by Rebecca Kutler.

MSNBC Public Relations

@MSNBCPR

Statement from MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler: “During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in

Posting a statement via MSNBC's Public Relations X account, Kutler's apology dubbed Dowd's comment on the late Charlie Kirk's demise as "inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable," adding:

“We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”

However, Rebecca Kutler's apology resulted in more backlash from netizens, who believed that it wasn't genuine, further alleging that the network and its president were trying to manipulate people.

Netizens condemn Kutler's apology over Dowd's remark (Image via X)

Following the Kutler and MSNBC's apology over Matthew Dowd's remarks concerning Charlie Kirk's assassination, multiple media portals reported that the political analyst had been fired from the network.

---

More details about MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler explored in the wake of network's analyst Matthew Dowd's firing

Rebecca Kutler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from The George Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from Columbia University.

According to Kutler's MSNBC profile, she served as CNN's Senior Vice President in 2012. She received an Emmy for 'Outstanding Live Coverage' as a Senior Producer on CNN's "Election Night in America."

A mother of three, she previously served as the Senior Vice President of Content Strategy for the same network. During her term as a Senior VP of Content Strategy, Kutler handled the network's non-linear business units like digital products, films, and podcasts.

She led the launch of the network's first live event series, MSNBC Live, and her work resulted in a double-digit, year-on-year growth in the network's investment in digital products. Additionally, Rebecca Kutler created an Apple Podcasts subscription for the network called MSNBC Premium, which offers early access, ad-free listening, and bonus content.

Before her stint as a VP of Content Strategy, Kutler managed MSNBC's dayside programming and undertook the responsibility of launching marquee programs like The Weekend and Inside with Jen Psaki.

Rebecca Kutler's position as MSNBC's president was announced in February 2025, wherein she succeeded Rashida Jones. Acknowledging her work at the network prior to becoming president, Kutler addressed the MSNBC staff at the time, stating:

“Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of learning how all of you do what you do so well, and you’ve been doing it for 28 years, and you’ve built something truly incredible. MSNBC is now one of the most engaged brands in all of television."

---

Before becoming MSNBC's president, Rebecca Kutler held an interim title between the time Rashida Jones exited the network till she was promoted to the top exec position.