Latest news with #WillCainCountry
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Fox News to license "Ruthless" podcast as part of digital expansion
Fox News has reached a business and editorial licensing deal with the "Ruthless" podcast, a variety program hosted by veteran Republican staffers. Why it matters: It's the first time Fox News has licensed a podcast. State of play: Fox News has created a "new media" division that will house all of its opinion and non-news podcasts, as it invests more in that type of audio programming. The new media unit will be overseen by Fox News Digital president Porter Berry, who will also take on social media as part of his portfolio. Porter will report to Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, as well as president and executive editor Jay Wallace. Catch up quick: The "Ruthless" podcast, which launched right before the 2020 election, has become a popular entertainment news show for conservatives. It's hosted by public affairs executives Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook, as well as Shashank Tripathi, who is known for his witty political posts online under the pseudonym "Comfortably Smug." The podcast has become a hit among conservatives looking for an irreverent and digestible political talk show, somewhat akin to "Pod Save America" on the left. Zoom in: As part of the deal, the four "Ruthless" podcast hosts will serve as Fox News contributors, per Berry. Berry says Fox News is focused on making "Ruthless" a top podcast — "the biggest and best show that it possibly can be." Between the lines: The new media unit is part of a bigger effort to expand Fox News' opinion podcast slate beyond current offerings. The "Ruthless" deal suggests Fox News could license more shows as part of that expansion, while continuing to invest in its own. An example Berry noted of an opinion podcast performing well for the network is "Will Cain Country," hosted by Fox News anchor Will Cain. Flashback: Earlier this year, Fox News parent Fox Corp. acquired Red Seat Ventures, a creator company that supports a slew of conservative opinion podcasters, such as Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson. That business will continue to operate separately from Fox News Media and Berry's new media unit. The big picture: Since Scott became CEO seven years ago, Fox News has pushed aggressively to diversify its business away from being solely reliant on cable revenue. This year, it's projecting $500 million in revenue for its non-cable TV businesses, Axios reported. That revenue comes from new media ventures, such as audio and podcasting, as well as digital video, books and streaming. Under Scott, the network has broadened its aperture to include more digital lifestyle products that can attract a bigger audience. What they're saying: In a statement, Scott said the deal is "a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ticker: C-SPAN, NewsNation, and Newsmax Share Military Parade Coverage
Top of the Ticker: C-SPAN, NewsNation, and Newsmax will offer live coverage of Saturday's U.S Army's 250th Anniversary Parade and Celebration. The parade-which also takes place on President Donald Trump's birthday-will be held along Constitution Avenue near the National Mall in Washington, D.C. C-SPAN's uninterrupted live coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET, hosted by Pedro Echevarria. NewsNation's coverage will also begin at 6 p.m. led by Leland Vittert and Anna Kooiman, with additional live reporting from Chris Stirewalt, Kellie Meyer, Robert Sherman, and Joe Khalil. Finally, Newsmax's Carl Higbie will host the network's coverage overlooking the parade route and the South Lawn of the White House. Correspondents Mike Carter, Logan Ratick, and Alana Auston will be positioned in key locations along the route. Montana meet-up: The Associated Press is reporting that Vice President J.D. Vance recently met with Fox Corp.'s Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, as well as senior Fox News executives. No details were made available for the brief visit, which took place at the Murdoch family ranch in southwest Montana. Representatives from both sides did not provide any comment regarding the reasons for the encounter. BBC complaints: Veteran BBC News journalists who were recently laid off have filed discriminatory complaints against the news organization. According to Deadline, the journalists allege their employment was terminated because of their ages. The BBC News disclosed to the publication that it does not comment on personnel matters, but said that its layoff process-part of a savings plan announced in October 2024-'thorough and fair.' Podcast news: CNN is rebranding one of its internal departments in recognition of the podcast medium's growing popularity. CNN Audio will become CNN Podcasts, with The Hollywood Reporter noting that the network will expand its roster of shows and formats, focusing on talent that may be underutilized on TV. Also undergoing a rebrand is Fox News anchor Will Cain's digital show, which will be known as Will Cain Country starting June 16. Airing live at nooon on weekdays, Will Cain Country will continue to be available first on and Fox News' YouTube channel and then packaged as a podcast afterwards. Meanwhile, ABC News Audio and 20/20 have announced a new six-episode podcast that examines the tangled life of Hossein Nayeri, the mastermind behind one of the most brutal crimes in California history. Devil in the Desert premieres June 17, and will be hosted by ABC News' chief national correspondent Matt Gutman. Sophomore season: Fox Nation has inked a new deal with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, which for an eight-episode second season of Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints. The new series will begin in November and run through the Spring of 2026. The first season broke Fox Nation's viewership records as its highest-engaged and most-watched series of all time.
