Sarah Palin joins Fox News

By Paul Bond

Sarah Palin's television home for the next few years will be theFox News Channel.

In a not-so-surprising development, Fox News said Monday that theformer Republican vice presidential candidate will be a regularcontributor to various shows and will occasionally host a showdebuting this year called "Real American Stories."

Unlike Mike Huckabee, who challenged Palin's running mate JohnMcCain for the Republican presidential nomination, Palin won't haveher own show. "Huckabee" has been running on Fox News sinceSeptember 2008.

Palin has proven a television force to be reckoned with by drivingthe ratings -- and buzz -- higher wherever she appears, so it's noshock that Fox News, the cable newser most aligned with Palin'spolitics, has courted her.

Speculation that Palin would strike some sort of TV deal has beenrampant since she stepped down early from her perch as Alaskagovernor. Making her TV gig a part-time one also makes sense givenPalin's stated desire to stay politically active in a variety ofways, including a steady stream of speaking engagements.

The multiyear deal, details of which weren't revealed, includesPalin making appearances on Fox Business Network, Fox News Radioand FoxNews.com.

"Governor Palin has captivated everyone on both sides of thepolitical spectrum, and we are excited to add her dynamic voice tothe Fox News lineup," executive vp programming Bill Shine said in aposting at FoxNews.com on Monday.

"Real American Stories" is described as an exploration ofinspirational real-life stories about overcoming adversity.