#Rachel Maddow mulling MSNBC exit to start venture: report

MSNBC’s star anchor Rachel Maddow is reportedly mulling leaving the network to launch her own media company amid “heated” contract negotiations.

Maddow, 48, is said to be “seriously considering leaving the network when her contract ends early next year,” according to The Daily Beast, which cited six sources.

The network’s highest rated host has increasingly spoken about leaving MSNBC when her contract is up, and is unlikely to go to a rival news network, according to the report.

Maddow, who has hosted “The Rachel Maddow Show” since 2008, is said to be interested in streaming and podcasting, which would allow more time for her personal life in the absence of rigorous nightly television deadlines, the article said.

Though Maddow has held talks about splitting from the cable news channel, she may ultimately decide to stay put, sources told CNN Business.

Some media observers think that the liberal icon is unlikely to leave MSNBC, and could be using reports about her own possible media ventures as a negotiating ploy in her contract negotiation.

Maddow, who reportedly earns $7 million a year, has reportedly enlisted top Hollywood agents Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro to represent her in contract talks.

“Nothing has been decided. We are deep into it with NBCUniversal and Rachel has an excellent relationship with them,” Shapiro told The Daily Beast.