‘The Takeaway’ Cancellation Draws Criticism From Melissa Harris-Perry As An Act Of Abuse

Melissa Harris-Perry, the former host of the now-canceled public radio program The Takeaway, has spoken

out about the show’s cancellation, calling it an act of abuse.

The show started in 2008 as an alternative program to NPR’s Morning Edition. According to The Root, The Takeaway’s “decline in audience as well as the financial challenge of producing a daily show––a situation made more challenging this year by the headwinds facing many across media––has led us to this decision.”

A WNYC spokesperson said that the show’s listening has decreased by nearly 13 percent over the last few years.

On Friday, Harris-Perry criticized the decision to cancel the show and shared her thoughts on Twitter, with absolutely no filter.

She tweeted, “The producers, editors, directors and team of @TheTakeaway deserve SO MUCH BETTER than this. This team is exceptional. Cancelling this show in this way is an act of institutional cruelty and abuse by the executives of

@WNYC. I will stand for them until the end.”

She even gave several shoutouts to her team writing, “It’s unimportant whether or not I ever work in media again but allow me to immediately and publicly write a few “letters of recommendation” for the members of team @TheTakeaway because THEY are the engines of this show and everyone in media should be CLAMORING to hire them.”

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Many avid listeners and fans shared their disappointment in the cancellation, sharing Harris-Perry’s sentiments on Twitter.