A high-profile conservative figure, recently let go from a top news network, is now being courted by rival channels eager to claim their spot as the ultimate destination for right-leaning audiences.
Tucker Carlson, the former top-rated Fox News host, is getting bombarded with offers from competing networks like Newsmax. Ever since Fox removed Carlson from the air, Newsmax has been working tirelessly to establish itself as the “true home” for conservatives and step up its game against Fox.
Newsmax’s viewership has doubled, even tripled in some time slots, since Tucker Carlson’s dismissal. The New York Times reported that the network is aggressively pushing the narrative that Fox News and the Murdoch family caved to the left by letting Carlson go.
“So far, the strategy is showing some promise,” the Times added.
“Newsmax programming has aggressively pushed a narrative that Mr. Carlson’s dismissal was a capitulation to the left by Fox News and the Murdoch family,” the report continued.
Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy has said that Fox is moving towards a more establishment position and distancing itself from Trumpism and populist MAGA ideas Carlson promoted. Ruddy has expressed his interest in accommodating all factions of the Republican Party.
“Fox has been moving to embrace more of an establishment position,” Newsmax’s chief executive, Christopher Ruddy, said last week, the Times reported. “They want to renounce some of the Trumpisms and populist MAGA stuff that Tucker was echoing.”
According to TMZ, Ruddy made a generous offer to Carlson, which includes granting him the power to program the entire network. Although a formal job offer hasn’t been made due to Carlson’s existing contract with Fox News, it’s clear Newsmax is eager to give him a significant role in rebranding their channel.
“Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … the news channel is doing everything it can to sweeten the deal for Tucker to come on board — including floating the idea of letting him program the whole channel, not just his own show,” the outlet added. “That would be a pretty enticing deal point … in addition to having his own primetime show, Tucker would have a say over what shows lead into and out of his show, which can be key in achieving bigger TV ratings.”
Newsmax seems to be following in Fox News’ footsteps. Mediaite reports that the network is considering a show similar to “The Five,” where a panel of co-hosts debate current political and cultural topics. “The Five” is a popular show on Fox News, featuring top-rated hosts like Greg Gutfeld and Jesse Watters.
Newsmax’s new show, expected to debut on May 8th, stars radio host Chris Plante, Newsmax host Jenn Pellegrino and three others. This program seems suspiciously similar to “The Five,” which has been a huge hit on Fox News since 2011.
Additionally, Valuetainment CEO Patrick Bet-David has also offered Carlson an attractive deal, which includes a $100 million, five-year contract, and an equity stake in Valuetainment, among other perks.
Dear @TuckerCarlson, our offer from @ValuetainmentTV 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/RXDRSDchMi
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) May 2, 2023
Sources: ConservativeBrief, NYTimes, TMZ, Mediaite