Beck’s ratings have fallen by a third since 2009, but he’s still No. 2 on Fox News.
AP Photo/Richard DrewDepending on Time Warner’s possible moves, HLN could become a millennial-oriented news network featuring offbeat programming or a potential Fox News competitor led by a libertarian firebrand. Or neither.
Last month, a Sky News report centered on Shane Smith‘s Vice Media and HLN in a deal with Time Warner. On Friday, it was revealed that Time Warner also held talks with Glenn Beck‘s The Blaze representatives about a joint venture involving the HLN station, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The talks died down after the parties “couldn’t agree on terms,” the newspaper reported.
Financial matters held up the deal, not ideology, a source familiar with the negotiations told The Hollywood Reporter. Talks stretched since June and ended recently.
Beck, a former Fox News host, started The Blaze as GBTV in September 2011 as a subscription-based online network. The network, which offers an array of programming anchored by the conservative personality, was later rebranded in keeping with Beck’s popular news and aggregation site, The Blaze.
Time Warner, which boasts CNN and HLN among its stable of networks, spun off its publishing division, Time Inc., on June 6. The media company also fended off an initial buyout offer from Rupert Murdoch‘s 21st Century Fox.
HLN chief Albie Hecht recently repositioned the network and introduced new programming that would integrate Facebook, Twitter and other platforms into coverage.
Aug. 22, 6:50 p.m. Updated with additional information.
Paul Bond contributed to this article.
