Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox News seems to have come at a hefty price, with reports suggesting that he may have been paid millions to leave the network.
The announcement of his departure was made by Fox on Monday, taking many by surprise, including Carlson himself, who appeared unaware of the decision during his last show on Friday.
In a statement released by Fox on Monday, the network stated, “Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways. We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor.” While the network did not provide much explanation for Carlson’s departure, it is believed that some members of the network may have been pleased with the news.
According to sources familiar with contract negotiations at Fox and other networks, Carlson was earning an annual salary between $15 million and $20 million as the host of Tucker Carlson Tonight, making him one of the highest-paid TV hosts in the industry. “He has more leverage than anyone else,” said one source. “He could pick up and go anywhere… before this.”
Although it is unclear how long Carlson had left on his contract, reports suggest that he was in the process of renegotiating his contract until 2029, indicating his significant influence and popularity within the network. Some within Fox News reportedly viewed Carlson as being even bigger than the network itself.
While some at Fox News expressed satisfaction with Carlson’s departure, with one reporter describing it as a “great day for America” and a “morale boost,” others expressed concerns that he may be replaced by someone with a similar approach to journalism. “He knowingly spread lies throughout his time at Fox,” said one producer. “But I fear management will replace him with someone who is just like him… so there probably won’t be any real change.”
Nevertheless, Carlson’s departure from Fox News after nearly a decade with the network is expected to have significant consequences for the network, TV news, and the Republican Party, according to Brian Stelter, who is writing a book about Fox called Network Of Lies.
As the dust settles on the surprising news of Carlson’s departure, the details of his reported payout and the reasons behind his exit remain largely undisclosed. However, it is clear that Carlson’s departure from Fox News marks the end of an era for one of the network’s most prominent and controversial hosts. His departure is likely to have a lasting impact on Fox News and the media landscape, with many speculating on what his next move will be and how it will shape the future of journalism and political commentary.
