Conservative news outlet Newsmax has allegedly proposed an enticing arrangement to Tucker Carlson, granting him the opportunity to control the channel’s entire programming.
Sources close to Newsmax’s operations informed TMZ of the potential offer, which would include providing Carlson with his own show as well as influence over programming that leads in and out of his show. This would be instrumental in increasing TV ratings.
Network executives have reportedly communicated their interest in having Carlson play a significant role in rebranding the channel.
Following Carlson’s exit from Fox News earlier this week, the network’s ratings have taken a hit while Newsmax has enjoyed a surge in viewer numbers.
The New York Times provided an example, highlighting Eric Bolling’s 8 p.m. Newsmax show on Monday evening which attracted 531,000 viewers according to Nielsen, an increase from 146,000 viewers the previous week.
Bolling’s show continued to grow, pulling 562,000 viewers on Tuesday, nearly matching the viewership of Anderson Cooper’s show on CNN. Newsmax’s other prime-time shows have also seen significant boosts in ratings.
In comparison, Fox News’ ratings among adults aged 25 to 54 during the 8 p.m. slot on Tuesday trailed both CNN and MSNBC, marking a rare defeat in a crucial demographic for cable news advertisers.