Tucker Carlson Next Moves

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, is swiftly moving forward with his post-Fox career plans. After his controversial departure from the network, there are reports surfacing about his next moves, which include a potential campaign against Fox News itself. According to Axios, a close friend of Carlson revealed that he intends to rally allies to attack Fox News in an effort to either secure a role at the network or establish a right-wing rival. This shift in strategy marks a departure from Carlson's initial desire for a quiet exit negotiation with Fox. The source added that Carlson is prepared for a battle and possesses insider knowledge that could potentially expose sensitive information about the network.

However, Carlson faces some challenges in his quest to return to the airwaves before his current contract with Fox News expires in January 2025. To secure a deal with another network, he would likely have to forfeit a significant amount of money owed to him by Fox. It has been reported that Carlson was earning up to $20 million per year at the network. Despite the potential obstacles, Carlson's attorney, Bryan Freedman, insists that no one can silence him and that he will continue to speak to his audience.

Various right-wing outlets, including Newsmax, One America News Network, and the Trinity Broadcast Network, have expressed interest in Carlson. Newsmax has even gone so far as to propose rebranding itself under his name. Additionally, Carlson is said to be planning his own media empire, potentially involving a direct-to-consumer platform where fans can pay to watch his content. There have also been discussions about Carlson moderating a candidate forum outside the traditional protocols of the GOP primary debate system, an idea that he has shared with former President Donald Trump. However, the non-compete aspect of his Fox contract may impact the feasibility of such endeavors.

The timing and willingness of Fox News to allow Carlson to pursue alternative opportunities remain uncertain. Recent leaks and controversies have further strained the relationship between Carlson and his former employer. Media Matters for America released behind-the-scenes footage of Carlson's contentious interview with a lawyer from Dominion as part of their defamation lawsuit against Fox. The leaked video captured Carlson making crude and sexist comments. Fox responded with a cease-and-desist letter, asserting that the unaired footage was their confidential intellectual property. Additionally, text messages unearthed during the Dominion discovery process exposed Carlson's views on race and violence, contributing to the events leading to his firing.

In an effort to contain the turmoil, Fox's lawyers have asked Dominion's lawyers to investigate the leaked Carlson messages. However, Dominion has denied any involvement in the release of the confidential materials. The internal dynamics at Fox News have also come under scrutiny, with reports of a power struggle between Carlson and Irena Briganti, Fox's communications and PR chief. Carlson's unsuccessful attempt to have Briganti fired in 2020 reportedly strained his relationships with Fox executives.

As Carlson forges ahead with his post-Fox career, the outcome of his efforts to challenge Fox News and establish himself in alternative media platforms remains to be seen. The battle between Carlson and his former employer, as well as the revelations surrounding their internal dynamics, continue to captivate media attention. It remains a highly contentious chapter in the career of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary media.

As Tucker Carlson navigates his post-Fox News career, the landscape is filled with both opportunities and challenges. Since his departure from the network, Carlson has been actively exploring his options and contemplating his next steps. While reports suggest that he may launch a campaign against his former employer, there are also potential avenues for him to pursue.

One of the main hurdles Carlson faces is his contractual obligations with Fox News, which extend until January 2025. To make a swift return to the airwaves, he would need Fox's consent to work elsewhere. However, such an agreement might involve forfeiting a substantial portion of the money owed to him by the network, as his annual salary at Fox News reportedly reached $20 million.

Despite the challenges, Carlson's camp remains confident that his voice cannot be silenced. His attorney, Bryan Freedman, asserts that attempts to prevent him from speaking to his audience are "beyond preposterous." This unwavering belief in his ability to connect with his followers serves as the driving force behind his pursuit of alternative media opportunities.

There is no shortage of interest from right-wing outlets looking to capitalize on Carlson's popularity. Newsmax, One America News Network, and the Trinity Broadcast Network have all reportedly expressed their desire to collaborate with him. Newsmax has even gone as far as considering rebranding itself under his name. Additionally, Carlson is said to be strategizing the creation of his own media empire, potentially involving a direct-to-consumer platform that would allow his devoted fanbase to access exclusive content.

While exploring these options, Carlson and his team have also entertained the idea of moderating a candidate forum that deviates from the traditional protocols of the GOP primary debate system. Discussions surrounding this possibility have taken place between Carlson and former President Donald Trump. However, the non-compete clause in Carlson's contract may impact his availability to engage in such activities.

As Carlson charts his future course, the relationship between him and Fox News continues to be a subject of intrigue. Recent leaks and controversies have further strained their ties. Media Matters for America released behind-the-scenes footage of Carlson engaging in a heated exchange with a Dominion lawyer, and this footage included crude and sexist remarks made by Carlson. Fox responded by issuing a cease-and-desist letter, claiming that the leaked material was their confidential intellectual property. The discovery process in the Dominion lawsuit has also revealed text messages where Carlson expressed controversial views on race and violence.

In response to these developments, Fox News has sought to contain the fallout. The network's lawyers have requested that Dominion investigate the leaked messages, although Dominion denies any involvement in their release. As more details emerge about the internal workings of Fox, tensions between Carlson and figures within the network, such as Irena Briganti, Fox's communications and PR chief, have come to light.

The resolution of Carlson's efforts to challenge Fox News and establish himself in new media platforms remains uncertain. The ongoing clash between him and his former employer, along with the revelations about their internal dynamics, continue to captivate public attention. For now, it is a chapter in Carlson's career that continues to unfold, leaving audiences and industry insiders eager to see what lies ahead.