Megyn Kelly Headshot - P 2013
Courtesy of FOX NewsFox News Channel has firmed up plans for its new primetime lineup. After months of speculation about where Megyn Kelly would land in her move from daytime, the rising network star will debut in the choice 9 p.m. hour after The O’Reilly Factor. That leaves time slot veteran Sean Hannity moving to 10 p.m.
“Hannity is the leading conservative voice in America,” said executive vp programming Bill Shine. “He has been a major star on both radio and television for more than a decade and we were happy to accommodate his schedule and retain him as a vital part of our lineup.”
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Kelly, who anchored the two-hour news program America Live up until her recent maternity leave, will now fall under Shine’s programming purview with The Kelly File. And if that title sounds familiar, it’s because it was also the name of Kelly’s recurring segment on O’Reilly.
FNC’s shuffle also means a move for Greta Van Susteren. On the Record, formerly the 10 p.m. broadcast, takes the vacancy left last week by Shepard Smith, who was promoted into a larger role at the network.
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“After 11 [and a half] years number one at 10 p.m. and driving home near midnight, I am ‘to the moon thrilled’ at a new challenge,” said Van Susteren. “And a new drive. Half the year I won’t even need headlights!”
All changes will go into effect Monday, Oct. 7, which happens to double as the dominant cable news network’s 17th anniversary.
“As the network continues to dominate with the top 13 programs in cable news, Fox News already redefined primetime viewing to extend well beyond the antiquated 8-11 p.m. format,” said FNC chairman and CEO Roger Ailes. “We’ve developed a deep bench of engaging and thought-provoking personalities that have grown with Fox News as it has evolved into the most influential and successful cable network in television. These changes will enable the network to continue setting the industry standard for years to come.”
