A joint news release from both the Fox News network and Beck’s Mercury Radio Arts reported that Beck will continue to work with Fox News “to develop and produce a variety of television projects for air on the Fox News Channel as well as content for other platforms including Fox News’ digital properties.”
For loyal fans of the Glenn Beck program, however, assurances that Beck will continue to serve in some capacity for the network do not quell frustration over the loss of his daily program, which has served as a televised educational forum unparalleled by any other allegedly “conservative” program.
Newsmax writes, “Beck became a sensation almost immediately after jumping from HLN to Fox for an afternoon program.” Since the show’s inception 27 months ago, it has boasted an average of 2.2 million viewers, making it the third highest rated program in all of cable news.
Fox News CEO and Chairman Roger Ailes said of the television personality, “Glenn Beck is a powerful communicator, a creative entrepreneur and a true success by anybody’s standards. I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
In response, Beck stated, “I truly believe that America owes a lot to Roger Ailes and Fox News. I cannot repay Roger for the lessons I’ve learned and will continue to learn from him and I look forward to starting this new phase of our partnership.”
Media circles speculated over the possibility of Beck pursuing larger ventures following his stay at Fox News, including the prospect of starting his own network. However, Beck’s announcement at the conclusion of his April 6 episode of the Glenn Beck program appears to dispel any of those theories:
I took this job two years ago because I thought I had something important to share. I … thought that if I could prove my case that something wicked this way was coming, something in America was wrong, America would listen. And they have. I’m surprised at both the number that have, and haven’t with all of the facts.
When I took this job, I didn’t take it because it was going to be a career for me. Paul Revere did not get up on the horse and say, "I’m going to do this for the rest of my life." He got off of the horse at some point, fought in the revolution, and then went back to silver-smithing.
If you have watched this program, you know what I believe is coming … and it bothers me to be entering this phase and feel as though you might say, "Well, wait, wait wait…." I’ve been very clear with you. I’ve placed my cards face up. We will find each other…. I will continue to tell the story, and I will be showing you other ways to connect.
But I have other things to do, and it’s not because its good or bad for business. Our only business is the freedom of our country at this time…. I told you at the beginning of the year, prepare to be a leader…. Be prepared to be the person that explains it to others.
Though Beck has enjoyed a great deal of success at Fox News, which has propelled him to fame, his ratings have fallen in recent months, and an advertisement boycott from the Left has some wondering if that may have played a role in the decision to end the television show.
Overall, however, Beck’s ability to draw over 500,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial for a totally apolitical event last summer proves that he will likely maintain a strong and loyal following in any endeavor he pursues.
Photo: AP Images
