Fox News has announced a major overhaul of its prime-time lineup, set to take effect next month. These changes come on the heels of the departure of former host Tucker Carlson, who had occupied the coveted 8 p.m. time slot since 2016. With viewership and ratings at stake, the network aims to revitalize its programming and maintain its position as the most-watched slate of programming in cable news.
The reshuffling of the prime-time schedule brings forth a lineup that combines familiar faces with rising stars. Laura Ingraham, cable news’ highest-rated female host, will now kick off the evening at 7 p.m. with “The Ingraham Angle.” Ingraham’s program, which debuted in 2017, has consistently drawn high-profile political figures and will now have the opportunity to captivate viewers earlier in the night.
At 8 p.m., Jesse Watters, known for his fresh take on the day’s major headlines, will host “Jesse Watters Primetime.” Watters, who has gained popularity as a co-host of “The Five,” brings a unique perspective that has propelled his program to become the fastest-growing cable news show in recent times. The move to the 8 p.m. slot presents an opportunity for Watters to further solidify his place in the primetime lineup.
The renowned Sean Hannity, the longest-running primetime cable news host in history, will maintain his stronghold at 9 p.m. with his eponymous show. Hannity’s program, which has dominated cable news ratings for an impressive 14 consecutive years, showcases his compelling interviews with newsmakers from the world of politics, entertainment, and beyond.
Greg Gutfeld, a comedic force and co-host of “The Five,” will now take the 10 p.m. slot with his program “Gutfeld!” Gutfeld’s show has not only provided a fresh and humorous take on current events but has also disrupted the late-night television landscape by outperforming competitors in its time slot. With Gutfeld’s wit and charm, viewers can expect a unique and engaging experience.
The new lineup seeks to maintain Fox News’ stronghold in the cable news industry, which has faced challenges due to cord-cutting and changing news consumption habits. By leveraging the strengths of its talented hosts and providing viewers with unrivaled coverage, Fox News aims to reclaim its position as the go-to destination for news and analysis.
It is worth noting that the changes in the lineup come at a time when concerns have been raised about the network’s alignment with GOP messaging and its role as a platform for Republican politicians. While Fox News has undoubtedly been influential in shaping public opinion, it is essential for viewers to approach the network’s programming with critical thinking and consider multiple perspectives.
As the revamped prime-time lineup prepares to debut on July 17, all eyes will be on Fox News to see if these changes can reinvigorate its viewership and ratings. The cable news landscape is in flux, and only time will tell if this strategic shift will propel Fox News to new heights or if further adjustments will be needed to stay ahead in an ever-evolving media landscape.
The viewers choices and discernment will determine whether Fox News’ new lineup can withstand the challenges and maintain its position as a dominant force in the industry. As the winds of change blow through the cable news landscape, the true test lies in the hands of the audience.
The latest on Tucker:
Fox News has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Tucker Carlson, its former top host, in response to his competing series on Twitter that garnered an impressive 169 million views for its first two episodes. The contract battle between Fox and Carlson holds significant implications for the conservative media ecosystem. Carlson, along with his growing production team, aims to establish Elon Musk’s social media site as a news platform through his series “Tucker on Twitter.”
While Fox continues to pay Carlson, they argue that his contract stipulates exclusivity to Fox content until December 31, 2024. However, Carlson asserts his First Amendment right to post on Twitter and claims that Fox has breached his contract. Behind the scenes, Carlson plans to expand the format of his Twitter episodes, incorporating longer segments, diverse content, and guest appearances, including notable figures. Despite the legal dispute, Carlson remains resolute, stating that he will not be silenced and emphasizing the importance of his voice in matters of public interest.
In response to Fox’s actions, Carlson’s lawyer, Harmeet Dhillon, criticized the network for disregarding the interests of viewers and its shareholder obligations. Dhillon characterized Fox’s demand for Carlson’s silence until after the 2024 election as a doubling down on a catastrophic programming decision. Asserting Carlson’s significance as a vital voice in the country, Dhillon emphasized that he will continue to speak out. Fox News declined to comment on the matter.
In May 2023, the 25-54 demo, Fox News averaged 135,000, down 62% from a year ago.