Carlson has been the network's top-rated commentator, delivering a unique brand of right-wing commentary that has resonated with a loyal audience. His departure now leaves a significant void in the network's primetime lineup heading into the 2024 cycle.
Carlson has been a target of progressives and outside groups who have routinely pressured advertisers to flee his show. However, his audience remained resilient, and his ratings, along with "The Five," were among the network's highest. As one of the two most influential hosts alongside Sean Hannity, Carlson's departure marks a significant loss for Fox News.
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His departure has elicited strong reactions from some conservative figures, with Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) labeling him "the most courageous person in American media," and Donald Trump Jr. stating that his exit "changes things permanently" for the GOP and conservatism.
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Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) tweeted that Carlson "has been engaging in the best journalism on TV uncovering and exposing the truth," and his departure is a "huge loss" for the network.
Despite his popularity, Carlson has also faced significant criticism for his commentary, including controversial statements about the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, immigration, and COVID-19 vaccines.
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He has also found himself on the other side of former President Trump in recent months, especially as more Dominion filings emerged. In a message to Fox employees on Jan. 4, 2021, Carlson said that he "hates" Trump and could not wait to "ignore" him on his show.
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Despite his occasional controversies, Carlson has been a powerful voice for conservatives in recent years. As Rich Lowry, the editor-in-chief of National Review, stated in 2020 amid rising chatter around a Carlson 2024 presidential bid, "What he's been saying speaks for a lot of people, and it's basically not expressed or serviced by most Republican politicians."
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Carlson's fearless approach to journalism and willingness to take on the "ruling class" on the right has resonated with many on the right who feel ignored by traditional Republican politicians.
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Fox News is facing mounting legal challenges, including a $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems and a $2.7 billion lawsuit from Smartmatic that also names Maria Bartiromo and Jeannine Pirro as defendants.
These challenges create a sliding-doors moment for the network as it tries to move past the aftermath of the 2020 election. The Los Angeles Times reported that Rupert Murdoch made the decision to remove Carlson from Fox News, citing ongoing discrimination lawsuits filed by Abby Grossberg, a former producer for Carlson and Bartiromo, and Carlson's recent coverage of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack.
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As Fox News tries to move forward, the choice of Carlson's successor in the primetime lineup will signal how the network plans to proceed. Fox has a track record of replacing outgoing hosts with individuals who can resonate with the audience and fill big shoes.
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Carlson's departure is a significant loss for the network, but his replacement will be critical in maintaining the network's dominance in conservative media.
Carlson's departure also raises questions about his next steps. Unlike Bill O'Reilly, who was fired in 2017 after sexual misconduct claims, Carlson retains a loyal following on the right. One potential landing spot for Carlson could be a return to digital media, as CNN and MSNBC have moved left in recent years, and conservative stations like Newsmax and One America News Network have a fraction of Fox News's viewership.
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Carlson's departure marks a significant loss for Fox News, but it also represents a potential opportunity for the conservative commentator to expand his influence beyond traditional cable news. Carlson's unique blend of right-wing commentary, fearless journalism, and willingness to take on the "ruling class" on the right has resonated with many conservatives who feel ignored by traditional Republican politicians.
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One potential avenue for Carlson could be a return to digital media, where he could leverage his loyal following to create a new platform that could challenge established media outlets.
Carlson has experience launching a site, having done so 13 years ago with the Daily Caller. He could potentially create a new platform that offers a unique blend of right-wing commentary and fearless journalism that resonates with his audience.
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Carlson's departure from Fox News also raises questions about the future of the network, the GOP, and conservatism more broadly. Fox News has been the dominant force in conservative media for decades, but its influence has waned in recent years as new challengers have emerged. Newsmax and One America News Network have both sought to challenge Fox News's dominance in the conservative media space, but both have struggled to gain a foothold in the market.
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The departure of Carlson, one of Fox News's top-rated commentators, could potentially create an opening for new voices to emerge in conservative media. It remains to be seen who will replace Carlson in the network's primetime lineup, but whoever is chosen will be critical in maintaining the network's dominance in conservative media.
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The GOP and conservatism more broadly also face significant challenges in the post-Trump era. The Republican Party has struggled to find its footing since the 2020 election, and the departure of Carlson from Fox News marks a significant loss for the party's most loyal supporters.
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Carlson's departure could potentially create an opening for new voices to emerge in the conservative movement, offering new ideas and approaches to addressing the challenges facing the country.
Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News marks a significant moment in the conservative media landscape. Carlson's unique blend of right-wing commentary, fearless journalism, and willingness to take on the "ruling class" on the right has resonated with many conservatives who feel ignored by traditional Republican politicians.
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His departure creates an opening for new voices to emerge in the conservative media space, potentially offering new ideas and approaches to addressing the challenges facing the country. The future of Fox News, the GOP, and conservatism more broadly remains uncertain, but Carlson's departure represents a potential opportunity for new voices and ideas to emerge.
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