Clayton’s Weird Departure

Abby, please don’t go, too! As word spreads that Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman may leave the FNC fold to join her friend Meghan McCain at The View, F&FW fans are welcome to muse about the strange disintegration of a trio of co-hosts that preceded her, i.e., Clayton Morris, Alisyn Camerota, and Dave Briggs. (Yes, the author knows that the lovely now honorary Aussie Anna Kooiman was the lovely F&FW co-anchor that was the bridge between Aly and Abby.)

Of particular interest was Clayton’s bizarre adieu [vid]. Dave left in an emotional farewell in 2012 as the Bean Town sports boy transitioned to NBC Sports (before going to CNN to co-host Early Start with Christine Romans). Alleging legendary FNC honcho Roger Ailes harassed her, lovely Aly left for CNN New Day eventually where she has “woke” according to her book, Amanda Wakes Up. Re Clayton, his departure seemed strange at best: Out of the blue seemingly, he emotionally announced, “I have decided after 18 years in broadcast television – I didn’t think I was going to do this. That today will be my last day in television.” Additionally, he remarked, “”I don’t think you’ll ever see me on television again.”

In an ambiguous assertion, Clayton said that “he would be pursuing a new calling in ’empowering people’ and helping others build wealth through passive income.” Now, Clayton posits, “How to pay off your house within 5 years using these awesome ninja tricks.” Hopefully, it works: But, it sounds as strange as his fascination with UFO’s.

Clayton’s farewell was a bizarre goodbye. Hopefully, Abby will not follow suit. (She’s a keeper–or should be!)

Things I Shouldn’t Say

Aly’s woke wrong, and Ainsley’s Ainsley. In the old days of Fox & Friends, Mancow was mimicking oral sex with E. D. Hill with his second and third fingers in a vee and lapping it up with his tongue with a naughty smile as a blushing E. D. laughed it off. Apparently, they had been lovers–and, viewers were invited to a peep show of sorts of days gone bye.

Now, it’s different. New Day co-host Alisyn Camerota has gone from Roger Ailes smart, sassy, sexy lovely to Jeff Zucker’s snarky, “rolling eye” gal when it comes to her conservative guests. But, sometimes, she’s fair–even though the viewer knows that Zucker is watching and having his way way too often.

As to Fox and Friends co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt, she plays her role a la Abby Huntsman of Fox & Friends Weekend. Both are beautiful, brainy gals bringing it to the center seat on the curvy couch. They are both sexy as all get-out: But, they are also rather religious. So wrap your brain around that–if you can.

As a synopsis, Aly is still sexy but she is Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct: You never know if she’ll kill you with her looks or her CNN ice pick. As to Ainsley (and Abby), they both appear very inviting but one wonders if they really in truly are that sweet.

Anna, Maria, & Greta Gone

Wow! Two days, three Foxes out! Monday, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Anna Kooiman had her final sendoff (vid) as she departed the F&F curvy couch on her cross-country trek before going Down Under to be with her Aussie hubby Tim Stuckey (pic). Tuesday, FNC meteorologist Maria Molina said goodbye to her F&F fans (vid) as she returns to Central Michigan University to continue to pursue her PhD in “Earth Science.” Yesterday, Greta van Susteren left her On the Record fans without so much as an adieu, leaving temporary fill-in host Brit Hume to remark at the end of the show, “Finally, a word about Greta van Susteren….She has left Fox News, saying, ‘Today, the place just didn’t feel like home anymore.’ I count Greta a friend, and I’m sorry to see her go. All of us here certainly wish her well: She made a big contribution, and we will miss her!”

[Author’s aside: Gretchen Carlson, Roger Ailes, Andrea Tantaros, Jedediah Bila, Anna Kooiman, Maria Molina, and Greta van Susteren gone–so quickly: Crazy!]

Maria Molina: FNC Loses Another Fox? [Updated]

Seriously?! According to FTVLive, FNC meteorologist Maria Molina is leaving Fox News and she will be announcing her exit early tomorrow morning. Reportedly, she is going to Central Michigan University to get her PHD, and she will be working at WJBK part-time in Detroit.

Maria’s departure falls on the heels of the vamooses of hottie Outnumbered co-host Andrea Tantaros, leggy lovely frequent Outnumbered co-anchor Jedidiah Bila, 2013 Miss USA Red Eye co-host Joanne Nosuchinsky, and Fox & Friends Weekend  co-anchor Anna Kooiman. Not to mention Gretchen Carlson: And, who knows about her purported supporter Kelly File anchor Megyn Kelly. At least, former Victoria’s Secret model The Five‘s comely Kimberly Guilfoyle, Fox & Friends First co-hosts lovely Heather Childers and beauty Abby Huntsman; and Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhart are still at Fox News–at least, for now.

Bill Shine, if you keep losing the “Foxes” post Roger, you will be left with only “Friends.” And, for FNC fans, this is not a good thing. Get it together!

H/t J$, for your “heads up”!

Update: Maria announced her exit indeed on Fox & Friends this morning at 6:32 a.m. ET. (08/25/16).  Fox & Friends Tweet (including vid): https://twitter.com/foxandfriends/status/768761326210473985.

“Aussie” Anna: Traitor! ;-)

What the h*ll is going on with Fox News now that Roger has left the building?! Hottie Outnumbered co-anchor Andrea Tantaros has left the FNC air, leggy frequent Outnumbered co-host Jedidiah Bila followed suit; and now the lovely Alisyn Camerota’s sexy successor Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Anna Kooiman is abdicating her reign on the curvy couch to follow hubby Tim Stuckey back to the “Land Down Under.” And, now fans are left only with brainy Tucker Carlson and nerdy Clayton Morris: What is the F&FW fan to do?

Who knows? Unless FNC boss Bill Shine brings back the thrice ruling queen of F&FW Alisyn Camerota (or her former F&FW co-host Nepali beauty Kiran Chetry), installs luscious F&F First newbie Abby Huntsman, or “steals” Greek goddess FBN:AM co-host Nicole Petallides, it may well be time to take the weekend off from watching Fox & Friends‘ weekend edition.

Bill, faithful F&FW fans do not watch four hours of the show for the “Friends.” No offense, Tucker and Clayton: But, they watch it mainly for the “Fox.” Make it happen, Bill!

As to F&FW‘s latest sweet, beautiful, vivacious “Fox” Anna, this evening she Tweeted, “Friends! I’m moving to Australia! My husband landed a new job in Sydney. So proud of him! But will miss you so much.” According to TVNewser, Anna’s last day is the 5th of September.

Thanks for the memories, Anna! You’ll truly be missed, too!

 

F&FW Flowers Hide Anna’s Sexy Stems

Two floral arrangements: Two fetid faux pas. Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Anna Kooiman‘s gorgeous gams were bizarrely hidden this morning by two floral centerpieces as she reigned as queen of the curvy couch. Unless it is bedecked in Valentine’s Day or the like table adornments, the usual F&FW transparent table is bare of flowers or any other centerpieces: Today, it was different. Without explanation, producers had placed a bouquet of a miscellany of mundane flowers in what almost appeared to be a Mason jar during the first half hour: After the first thirty minutes were over, producers replaced it with a somewhat prettier vertical “Kleenex-box” vase that matched Anna’s turquoise dress and that featured a wannabe sexy Georgia O’Keeffe-like flower.

F&FW, Anna’s lovely legs need no visual occlusion on the curvy couch: Rather, they should be fearlessly flaunted for her F&FW fans. To boot, they are assuredly more aesthetically pleasing than either of those pathetic floral arrangements that dared to compete with them this morn. F&FW may want to be post Roger: But, they better never be post Roger’s instincts.

Break a leg, F&FW–in a good way!

 

Gretchen Out: Bitter?

Sues Roger Ailes: Her “lawyers…say Ailes is the ‘Bill Cosby of media.'” Wow! Former Fox & Friends co-host and anchor of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Gretchen Carlson, is apparently not amused that her tenure is over: Reportedly, she is suing FNC honcho Roger Ailes for sexual harassment after her contract was not renewed.

According to the Daily Mail, Gretchen said that Ailes asked her to “turn around so he could view her posterior.” Furthermore, the NYT reported that Gretchen alleged that Ailes had eyed her in his office and called her sexy and “explicitly asked [her] in his office for a sexual relationship.”

In response, Gretchen’s former female FNC colleagues pushed back. “On the Record” anchor Greta van Susteren said that she has “‘absolutely never’ seen …Ailes act inappropriately toward women” and described Gretchen as “a very unhappy employee that lost her job” according to The Wrap. According to the same publication, hitting Gretchen even harder, “Justice with Judge Jeanine” anchor Jeanine Pirro declared, “I know know the man. I have been in a room with him. He has never said or done anything [inappropriate].”: Taking aim at her former FNC colleague, Jeanine added that the lawsuit was “absurd” and remarked, “I don’t know that she, the plaintiff [Gretchen], even has a friend in that building.” On a softer note FBN anchor Maria Bartiromo said, “It’s not in keeping with what I know, and my experience at Fox” according to Variety. Morever, The Five co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle chimed in (according to TVNewser), “Total disbelief. I’ve known Roger Ailes for 15 years and I have been treated with the utmost professionalism and respect: He’s been a fantastic mentor in television for me.” To boot, in her HuffPo article, former Fox & Friends First co-anchor Kiran Chetry, who had a self-proclaimed “parting [that] was ugly and public,” defended Ailes, saying, “Over the years at Fox, I met with Roger Ailes one-on-one many times and never once did Roger ever make me feel uncomfortable or put forth any sexual advances.”

According to the Hollywood Report, Ailes hit back hard at Gretchen, saying:

“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11-year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”

Gretchen and her fellow femme fatale predecessor co-hosts on Fox & Friends have always been sexually empowered since the fun, flirty, racy, E. D. Hill made her debut in 1998: And, for those that embrace it, that is modern liberated feminism, women unashamed of their potent power of feminine pulchritude and seduction and are not afraid to embrace it. E.g., Gretchen seemed to tout this “new” feminism in her somewhat tempting “twerking” and awkward aping of “scandalous” Miley Cyrus on F&F. Also, naughty Fetchin’ Gretchen had her sultry take on sharing her momcave with Chris Wallace, nipple clips, and licked thighs on F&F (02/04/11). Not to mention Gretchen’s saucy flirtation with Chris Wallace when the Fox News Sunday host  exclaimed, “Let me just say…I was thinking how to clean this up. Gretchen, when you were wearing that cowboy hat and smoking that cigar you looked fetching.” (In response, Gretchen, re-enacted and accentuated her sultry cowboy/cigar look for Chris to which he responded, Oh, Mama! You should take that home for your husband tonight.”) Maybe, Ailes was having fun with that vibe from Gretchen–if in fact he said what he purportedly said.

Nevertheless, a woman or a man’s employment, advancement, etc. should never be predicated on her/his employer’s reaction to their employee’s sexual power. Nor, should the employee ever be subject to his/her unwanted advances.

Ainsley’s Dream: F&F Finally

A month later: Too banal for breakfast or just right? Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt has definitely paid her FNC dues: As Glamour.com chronicles, Ainsley did overnight shifts on weekends; updates on the hour on weekday shows, e.g., Hannity; a short-lived stint as co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend; and, most recently, co-anchor of Fox & Friends First. And, finally, Ainsley landed her dream job, co-host of Fox & Friends.

But, now, Ainsley has to show her mettle: She has to prove that she has what it takes to successfully co-host cable news morning champ Fox & Friends. Previously, Ainz failed to do so when she co-anchored F&F Weekend with fellow tyros Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs: As faithful FNC viewers may well remember, former F&FW co-host and FNC utility player Alisyn Camerota had to return to the show to right the F&FW listing ship and to show the boys the ropes. After her subsequent stint as co-host of Fox & Friends First, hopefully, Ainsley has learned what tack to take: If she falters this time, at least,  she has seasoned veterans Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on whom to fall back.

Even though Ainsley may not be the sharpest knife in the F&F drawer, she does seem to be one of the sweetest seasonings in the cupboard. Lately, the Southern belle has seemed to almost ape [split infinitive intended] her predecessor counterpart Northerner Elisabeth Hasselbeck. A little too saccharine for the author’s taste–not too mention a mite too modest post her brief Fox & Friends Weekend gig: But, she does seem to have the best of intentions to make Ailes proud and her viewers happy.

Sex it up, Ainsley! Don’t let the boys be the main reason that your viewers tune in in the morning. That’s never a good thing!

Ainsley: F&F’s New Fox

Earhardt: “I am…thrilled to join Steve and Brian on the curvy couch.”  Fox & Friends viewers were tipped off early this morning that changes were afoot by regular F&F fill-in co-host, Anna Kooiman: As the show began today with her in the center seat (with Tucker Carlson and Pete Hegseth), she  cryptically remarked, “Good morning! We’re all visiting the couch this morning!” (After Elisabeth Hasselbeck left the F&F curvy couch, Anna has usually greeted her F&F viewers with her name as if she might be the future queen of the weekday curvy couch).

According to a press release today by FNC, Ainsley Earhardt has been named the new co-anchor of Fox & Friends and she will make her debut as the official co-host on Leap Day, 2016 (February 29). FNC Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes declared, “Ainsley’s relentless work ethic, congeniality, and enthusiasm for connecting with our viewers…are extremely refreshing. She’s a superb team player and an excellent on-air host.” As for Ainsley, she declared, “I am grateful for this opportunity and am thrilled to join Steve [Doocy] and Brian [Kilmeade] on the curvy couch to deliver Americans their morning news.”

It has been a remarkable ride for Ainsley in her Fox & Friends odyssey.

Ainsley made her debut on Fox & Friends Weekend as a guest co-host in February 2008. On February 28, 2008 (almost 8 years to the date of her future debut as queen of the F&F curvy couch), Ainsley apprised the author that she was just filling in and that FNC would announce changes when they were final: Even though the lovely got into hot water initially with FNC brass for being honest and straightforward with this viewer in various missives, the chastened Southern belle did finally take the reins at F&F Weekend with fellow newbie co-hosts, Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris by her side. But Ainsley’s tenure was short-lived as her callow boys needed a surer hand to guide the F&FW ship, namely, Alisyn Camerota (who had sailed those waters before as F&FW co-anchor).

But, Ainsley has stayed the course: And, she has always been there when Ailes needed her. Ainz has been a cheerful and ready fill-in co-host for Fox & Friends weekday, and she has happily served as Fox & Friends First co-anchor with Heather Childers. She has paid her dues, and Ailes has now rewarded her.

And, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Ainsley’s predecessor hardily approves: She Tweeted, “Congratulations to my #SisterInChrist & #SweetFriend @ainsleyearhardt on the @foxandfriends news!! This #CBO can’t wait to see you shine!”

Congratulations, Ainsley!!

H/t: Motownman, Chris Ariens, and Johnny Dollar (J$P).

Elisabeth’s Tearful Farewell

Hasselbeck: “This hurts!” Today, Fox & Friends co-anchor Elisabeth Hasselbeck said  a painful goodbye to her co-hosts, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade; the F&F crew; and her fans after a mere two plus years on the curvy couch. The three hours of F&F today were replete with homages to Elisabeth from the likes of Judge Andrew Napolitano, Governor Chris Christie, and GOP front runner Donald Trump. And, Elisabeth was effusive in her praise for, of course, the boss Roger Ailes, for her co-hosts Steve and Brian, and seemingly for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who works for F&F. It was vintage Elisabeth: sweet, cloying so, and seemingly sincere.

The author wishes her well in her position as CBO, i.e., Chief Breakfast Officer, of the Hasselbeck household. Speaking of which, it seems odd, in retrospect, that her own family, hubby Tim and the kids, seemed to have taken a backseat to her work family of Steve, Brian, newsreader Heather Nauert, meteorologist Maria Molina, and the F&F crew today. The faithful F&F fan might have hoped to hear not only her fond farewells to her F&F fam (and fans) today but also a dear, sweet welcome back to full-time work as Hasselbeck CBO from her eagerly awaiting hubs and kiddos–on screen or even on the phone this morn. Alas, it was not to be.

Elisabeth, even though you initially seemed to the author to be an odd choice to follow the footsteps of E.D. Hill and Gretchen Carlson, you have earned your place on the curvy couch–as a sister to Steve and Brian rather than the sexy siren to her couch mates. Much success in the future, Elisabeth!

[Author’s aside: The subtitle, infra, is a quote from Elisabeth re her departure in the final moments of the first F&F segment this morning. F&F – 12/22/15 (@ 6:10 a.m. ET).]

FNC Host: Trump Spewing Lies

Will The Donald take it lying down? On this Thanksgiving afternoon, FNC honcho Roger Ailes must be having indigestion: His latest Fox News anchor to tangle with GOP Presidential front runner Donald Trump, Happening Now co-host Gregg Jarrett, deemed Trump a liar.

First, there was the Megyn “affair”: Now, there is the Jarrett jeer.

In the first GOP debate (in August), FNC anchor Megyn Kelly, co-moderated the first Republican Presidential debate and took what was perceived by The Donald as a cheap shot re the purported “war on women.” Ever The Donald, he robustly defended himself, declaring that he was often not politically correct: Subsequently, he acerbically asserted, “And, frankly, what I say, and oftentimes it’s fun, it’s kidding, we have a good time: What I say, is what I say. And, honestly, Megyn, if you don’t like it, I’m sorry. I’ve been very nice to you although I could probably, maybe not be, based on the way you’ve treated me but I wouldn’t do that.” [Vid clip of the exchange.]

And, then the war was on–until Trump and FNC chief Roger Ailes appeared to call a truce with a few  seeming “violations.” However, it did not last long when The Donald took a subsequent shot at Kelly in a Tweet, calling her “a lightweight” and “overrated”: Apparently, Ailes was not amused, and The Donald’s appearance on the “O’Reilly Factor was cancelled. No shrinking violet, Trump hit back with a boycott of Fox News. Ailes apparently relented to the ratings magnet when The Donald returned to the O’Reilly Factor, and Trump has been regularly booked ever since on Fox News shows.

Today, Ailes’ erstwhile errant anchor,  Happening Now co-host Gregg Jarrett, ignited a probable feud again by deeming Trump a liar. In a segment subtitled “Trump’s Chances of Winning WH” with Democratic strategist and pollster Jessica Tarlov (Senior Strategist of Schoen Consulting) and Kevin McCullough (a radio host nationally syndicated),  Jarrett, with a twinkle in his eye, remarked, “Donald Trump has been spewing canards.”* When Tarlov guffawed, “That’s such a polite way of saying it,” Jarrett chuckled, “That, that essentially means lies. But, I was trying to be nice.” He added, “Um, and, just in the past week, I mean, one after another, after another.”

Looking at his notes with his reading glasses in his hand, Jarrett continued, “He said, I saw thousands and thousands of people in New Jersey cheering the 9/11 attacks when the Towers fell.” Chuckling, he declared, “Officials in the state say that’s not true [and that] there’s no proof of that: Politifact gave it a ‘pants-on-fire’ rating.” Subsequently, Jarrett challenged Trump’s assertions as to the percentage of whites killed by blacks, citing the F.B.I., and the number of Syrian refugees that the President intends to brings into the U.S.

In conclusion, Jarrett jeered, “And, the Washington Post, in summarizing all of these things he’s saying, said quote, ‘Trump has lied so many times about so many things during the past week, it’s difficult to keep track of all of them.'” As Tarlov began to answer, Jarrett asked, “But, is he ever going to be held accountable for this stuff?”

Trump a liar? Doubtlessly, The Donald will respond. And, Gregg may not be as lucky as Megyn.

*Happening Now – 10/26/15 (@ 1:26 p.m. ET).

F&F Embarrasses Ailes?

Steve Doocy: “Shepard must be happy!” Almost two years to the day that Studio B anchor Shepard Smith announced that he could not show the Trampoline Bear vid anymore, Fox & Friends resurrected the odious decade-old footage of a black bear falling from a tree onto a trampoline and subsequently doing a hard head-first plunge into an unforgiving ground.* To make matters worse, they ran the seemingly sadistic footage twice.**

Perchance, it was the F&F producer who has an apparent fixation on the “wussification of America” that made the callous call. Regardless, it must embarrass FNC chief Roger Ailes who seems to have tried to embrace a more animal-friendly approach with glowing coverage of his now deceased friend‘s favored Westminister Dog Show at Madison Square Garden and his underlings’ F&F fun, informative F&F segments with famed wildlife advocate Jack Hanna–not to mention, their whilom “Good Shepard‘s” “Cool Critters” stories.

It’s time for Shine to have Ailes’ back re animal rights. And, it’s time for his rogue producers to end the Trampoline Bear airings. It’s been over ten years since it was news: Now, it should be history!

*Fox & Friends – 05/01/14 (@ 6:00 a.m. ET).

**Fox & Friends – 05/01/14 (@ 8:00 a.m. ET).

[Author’s aside: Re Steve Doocy‘s Shep quote, supra, he said that at the beginning of F&F‘s May Day show when co-host Brian Kilmeade joked that Russia had said that that “bear on the trampoline is now [America’s] ticket to space.”]

Huddy’s “Hell”: To Freeze Over?

O’Reilly: “We’re gonna keep it…at least, for the time being.” Good Day NY anchor Juliet Huddy was given an entirely new weekly segment from Bill O’Reilly entitled “Mad as Hell” Thursday on his eponymous show. A day earlier, Juliet’s erstwhile signature slot on the O’Reilly Factor, “Did You See That,” was handed to America’s Newsroom co-host Martha MacCallum. Stranger yet, O’Reilly himself seemed to suggest that Juliet’s new gig might not be long-lived.

Apparently, signaling the changes afoot on the Factor a week earlier (September 25), Martha Tweeted, “I will be on @oreillyfactor every Wed night.” Then, this past Wednesday, Martha appeared in Juliet’s place on “Did You See That” with no mention of the missing Juliet by either Martha or O’Reilly. However, at the end of the show, O’Reilly announced that the Factor on Thursday would “launch a brand new segment called ‘Mad as Hell'” with Juliet commenting on viewers’ missives about what really ticks them off.

True to O’Reilly’s word, Juliet appeared Thursday on “Mad,” opining with her “William” about e-mail from peeved viewers.* And, at the end of her segment, “O’Reilly asked for more such letters to them for the following Thursday.

However, on Friday, O’Reilly indicated that he and Juliet might not be entertaining such correspondence permanently. At the end of his show Friday, Bill read an e-mail from a fan of “Mad,” saying, “Mr. O, if you discontinue the Mad as Hell segment, I will be mad as hell.” In response, O’Reilly remarked, “Alright, we’re gonna keep it…at least, for the time being.”

In Ailes’ world lately, that “time being” is rather tenuous–at best.

*O’Reilly Factor – 10/03/13 (@ 7:29 p.m. ET)

**O’Reilly Factor – 10/04/13 (@8:55 p.m. ET)

Shepard Smith: I’m Gonna Go Away for a Bit

“When I eventually do return, I’ll be returning from the Fox News Deck.” Fox Report host Shepard Smith signed off Thursday from his evening show for good, sounding even more optimistic about his future at Fox News than Alan Colmes did when he left Hannity and Colmes for “greener pastures” five years ago.

Apparently making way for Megyn Kelly‘s imminent move to prime time, Shep bid adieu to his audience and announced the end of his evening show Thursday. In the final segment of Fox Report, Shep remarked, “I’ve been saying good night…for years and anchoring this newscast since 1999. But, for a while really, I’ve been well aware that most of you already know the news or much of it before we even sign on each evening.” Explicating the denouement of his Fox Report further, Shep said, “The world’s changed a lot in the last fourteen years: smartphones, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and all the rest: We get the news in real time across lots of platforms, and frankly, this concept of anchor in the box telling you what happened hasn’t change that much since the 1960’s. It’s time for something new: And, we’re gonna lead the way!”

Announcing a hiatus of unknown duration, Shep added, “So, I’m gonna go away for a bit and get my bum shoulder fixed.” Assuring his FNC fans that his departure would not be permanent, Shep declared, “When I eventually do return, I’ll be returning from the Fox News Deck.” Elaborating, he said, “From there we’ll fuse multiple platforms and bring the global resources of this amazing company including social media and digital content to the screen all at once. And, on its time, not on ours!”

Optimistically, he promised, “I’ll report whenever the news happens no matter what program is scheduled.”  Shaking his head for emphasis, Shep declared, “It’s the most exciting venture of my career. My team and I are pumped. And, I hope you’ll come along for the ride.”

Concluding somewhat sentimentally, Shep remarked, “So, Fox Report‘s going away in the next few weeks. It’s been an honor and a privilege to anchor this newscast. Bigger and better is coming with Shepard Smith reporting from the Fox News Deck.”

Shep on Fox News Deck: But, will Ailes’ promise mean a real chance for Shep to go to bat and get a hit for himself and Fox News? If so, good luck, Shep: Get a hit!

Prime-Time Megyn: “Hannity & Kelly”?

Roger Ailes’ “Minor Change”? In an exclusive Thursday, the Drudge Report reported that Fox News was “set to make its first primetime schedule change in 10 years” and that “superstar newswoman Megyn Kelly [had] landed the 9 PM slot” according to its top sources. When asked about that “rumor” by Fox News’s Neil Cavuto, FNC chief Roger Ailes responded, “Well, generally, I don’t confirm or deny any rumors….However, Megyn has earned a better time period: She’ll be in our prime-time lineup. But, I must quickly say that all of our stars will be back: We have new deals with (Sean) Hannity and Greta (Van Susteren) and Shep(ard Smith).” Noticing Ailes’ obvious omission, Cavuto quizzically commented, “So, it sounds to me like (Bill) O’Reilly‘s gone: Mischievously, Ailes answered, “Yep, he’s finished, that’s it! No, I’m just kidding.”*

According to New York Times columnist Bill Carter, the prevailing speculation is that Megyn will get her own hour and Sean Hannity will move to the 7:00 p.m. slot (replacing Fox Report with Shepard Smith) and Shep will move to an afternoon hour. However, in his Cavuto interview, Ailes himself cryptically remarked, “We have a great roster of talent: I am making a few minor changes….You have to choose well in the first place and have the guts to stay with people who can do the job. And, that’s what I try to do.”** Furthermore, he reportedly explained, “One of my jobs is to get the best audience flow between shows and that’s one of the reason[s] I’m making a few changes right now.”***

And, that very audience of Ailes in both prime-time and full-day ratings “has had a median age of 65-plus (according to the aforementioned NYT author). If the anecdotal observation that older people tend to be resistant to change is true, Ailes would do well to only “[make] a few minor changes” as he seeks to facilitate the “best audience flow” of his hyper-loyal older viewers (and tries  to attract a younger demographic at the same time). Creating three new shows for Megyn, Hannity, and Shep, as the NYT suggested, seems more than a few major changes–especially, when Gretchen Carlson’s new fall show and, an imminent iteration of Fox & Friends (with new co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck) are added into the mix.

“Hannity and Kelly”? Don’t count it out.

*Therightscoop.com (video and text) – 08/08/13.

**Ibid.

***Therightscoop.com (video) – 08/08/3 (@ 02:12/04:13).

[Author’s aside: If Megyn does indeed join Hannity, Ailes real primetime schedule (8-11 p.m.), the hosts will represent true-blue gender equality surpassing rivals CNN and MSNBC.]

“Haggling” Gretchen Gone: Hottie Hasselbeck In

Finally. Carlson “promoted” to her own afternoon show. As Fox & Friends began this morning, co-anchor Gretchen Carlson announced to her Fox & Friends viewers that she was leaving the curvy couch sometime in September for her own Fox News afternoon show. Referencing obliquely the New York Post “Page Six” exclusive yesterday that she would be replaced by The View‘s co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck and that she would get a one-hour show in the early fall, a smiling Gretchen threw up her hands, saying, “Welcome, everybody! Hey, I, I think we’ve been in the news recently!”

The news comes as little surprise to cable news watchers who have noticed that Gretchen has seemed to be increasingly absent from the show over the past year. On August 4, 2012, Carpe Diem noted in “Gretchen’s Last Summer Vacation” her very frequent vacations and F&F‘s showcasing of possible replacements, including regular fill-ins, Alisyn Camerota and Ainsley Earhardt, and outside talent, Dara Torres and Kara DioGuardi. Over a month later, New York Magazine indicated that Gretchen’s “conspicu[ous] absen[ces] from Fox  & Friends for days on end” that summer coincided with her “haggling over her contract terms,” including a contentious one for her own show, with Fox News.

Apparently, Gretchen has finally won that year-long battle with the FNC suits. Now, she will have to live or die on her own smarts, talent, and charisma. After seven years of Gretchen’s being buttressed by her bulwark F&F co-hosts, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, Roger Ailes and his Fox family and friends will finally find out if she can stand on her own.

Update 1: J$P “‘advance'” video of Gretchen explaining her “move forward in [her] career.” H/t, Johnny.

Update 2: In Elisabeth’s adieu on The View today, she emotionally declared, “I’m really happy and excited to confirm that indeed I will be joining the Fox & Friends team in September. And, [I] would like to thank Mr. Roger Ailes, Bill Shine, [and] the entire news channel for this incredible opportunity. Today is officially my last day at The View.” [Vid via Mediaite.com – @ 1:03/9:16.]

FNC’s New Future: Megyn In for Greta?

Van Susteren: “I’ve been been bucking to get an earlier hour for years….”* Apparently, her boss Roger Ailes was listening: Only five days after FNC On the Record anchor Greta van Susteren uttered those very words to her old friend Larry King on his 06/27/13 eponymous online show, Fox News issued a release which read, “[America Live anchor] Megyn Kelly will move to Fox News Channel’s (FNC) primetime lineup upon her return, announced Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO, FOX News.” However, FNC took pains to highlight the fact that Greta had been signed to a long-term contract (as well as FNC’s other prime time hosts Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, Bill O’Reilly, and Sean Hannity).

In King’s interview of Greta, the former CNN anchor discussed the possible personnel changes of new CNN honcho Jeff Zucker: In so doing, she referenced FNC and her long-time chief, saying, “Look at Fox News….Roger Ailes has been there the whole time I’ve been there. We haven’t had a change in eleven and half years.” Nonchalantly or not, she continued, “I’ve been bucking to get an earlier hour for years but that ain’t happening….If anyone ever left, I would put in a pitch.”

Now that Ailes has decided to change his storied FNC schedule, it seems that Greta will get her wish of an earlier hour. But, whom will she replace or with whom will she pair? If Greta replaces anyone, it will probably be Fox Report host Shepard Smith who could continue to work in his “long-term contract” as anchor of Studio B. But, if Greta were to co-host instead, a likely pairing would be with fellow conservative Sean Hannity who sorely needs fresh blood to reinvigorate his recently ratings-challenged show.

And, if Greta does vacate her 10 p.m. ET throne, it seems that Fox’s long-suffering “rising star” has finally achieved her rightful place in the FNC ether. In December of 2008, Carpe Diem warned Greta to watch out for Megyn. Six months later, the New York Times eyed Megyn as a “potential heir to Ms. Van Susteren.”

Now, Megyn’s time has come: Prime time!

*Larry King Now – 06/27/13 (@ 11:29/28:19

Kiran’s Christmas Wish: More F&FW Magic?

“I told [Santa] I just want a job. Lol!!” Shine Kiran’s future Santa? Within the span of only six days as Christmas drew imminently near, former FNC/CNN anchor Kiran Chetry clearly indicated that she is more than eager to return to the air. On December 16, she Tweeted a pic of herself, her kids, and St. Nick, saying, “Santa came to LYC! I told him I just want a job. Loll!!” A mere five days later, she Tweeted a fun food-face photo, declaring, “Making lunch for the kids. Moma need a job:).”

Apparently, Kiran does indeed need a job now (after her namaskaar to American Morning almost one year and half ago): And, her former employer FNC’s Programming SVP Bill Shine could certainly use her. Since Shine will lose his popular Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs in seven short days (at the end of this year), he needs someone who can seamlessly replace Dave on the curvy couch with co-hosts Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris. And, Kiran, certainly could: After all, she teamed with Aly (during her first F&FW stint) as the smart, sassy, and sexy duo that made men literally weak in the knees and made F&FW must-see TV during the early-to-mid 2000’s in the process. (Remember Kiran spanking Kelly Wright?)

Hopefully, 2013 will be a time for new beginnings–for FNC and Kiran. A time for Roger Ailes to forgive Kiran after her sojourn in the desert. And, a time for Bill Shine to give Kiran that “very special opportunity“ to team up with Aly again (and Clayton) to make more F&FW magic.

Tearful Briggs Leaves F&FW

Dave: “I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris dropped a bombshell this morning by announcing that co-host Dave Briggs is leaving their popular FNC morning weekend show. After the final half hour began with the “Shot of the Morning,” Clayton turned to Dave and their fellow co-anchor Alisyn Camerota, remarking, “I want to take a moment here because this is going to be the last time that the three of us…are going to be on the couch together. Looking down, Dave replied, “Wow! I didn’t expect you to say that: But, yeah, I am. I will be moving on.”

Tearing up, Dave continued, “I will miss the two of you more than I can speak. You’ve made me better and you’ve made the show better. You’ve been my work family!”

Growing emotional, too, Clayton interjected, stammering, “Likewise, man! It’s like a, like losing, you know, having a brother leave, you know, with a family and move on.”

Chiming in, Aly exclaimed, “We will miss you so much, Dave!”

Sentimentally, Dave stated, “I will miss you both! It’s been the best show, best job of my life. I will never have a job I enjoy more, no matter where I go.” Looking into the camera at his fans, he assuring stated, “But, you will see me. I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year but it’s been a wonderful experience here.”

As to Dave’s departure date, Aly explained, “Dave will be through here through the end of the year: But, I won’t be working during these shows.”

Sounding as if he may be leaving Fox News to boot, Dave declared, “But, I should say thanks to…Roger Ailes, and to Bill Shine, and Suzanne Scott, and some of the people who brought me here as well. And, all the producers who have helped me out for a couple of years. But, I just, I love you guys!” Then, as FNC meteorologist Rick Reichmuth appeared in a split screen shot, Dave added, “And, Rick, Rick has been my confidante and my office mate. And, you guys are, you’re my family: I’ve never had a work family….Damn, I’m gonna miss it!”

Nodding his head for emphasis, Rick replied, “We’re gonna miss you, Dave! But, you know, the good part is you’re not moving anywhere….This is Aly’s and this is my last day with you, Dave. So, it been wonderful to have you here: And, we will miss you a ton.”

So, where will Dave be? Before his big announcement, a Twitter follower asked, “What’s with the beard cutie?”: In answer to his avatar change, Dave cryptically Tweeted, “Explanation coming soon…”

Perhaps, much more telling, in the final segment of F&FW today, Aly gave Dave multiple pairs of hosiery as a parting present, saying, “So, Dave, I don’t know if your new co-anchor is gonna want to match her outfit to your socks: But, if so, I have gotten you some possibly anchor-friendly new socks to match with her outfits.” Seemingly, confirming that he will be co-hosting a new show with a new female co-host, he answered,”I think she’s gonna love them!”

Pleading with his fans for their continued loyalty in his future endeavor, Dave subsequently Tweeted, “I will miss our viewers almost as much as Clayton, Aly & Rick. I really appreciate every one of you and hope you stick w/me in 2013…”

Good luck, Dave!

[Author’s aside: Notably, on this august occasion, Dave dutifully donned his connubial band today after approximately three weeks on F&FW sans it. Bravo, Brandi!]

Update: In the After the Show Show (via J$P), Aly more definitively verified Dave new gig, saying, “You new co-anchor is such a lucky woman!”

Update2: According to J$P, the “likely destination for @davebriggstv – NBC Sports Network.” Subsequently, he RT’d @SPORTSbyBROOKS: SbB has learned NBC Sports Network is planning a daily show hosted by @MichelleDBeadle & @davebriggstv.” As further evidence, he teased, “RT @MichelleDBeadle (yesterday): Cranked out promos for my new sports show and my last Access Hollywood of the year….”

Ailes’ Angel Aly: “Just Smoking Hot!”

Camerota, Aly Camerota. Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Alisyn Camerota went off on a secret assignment last week with her FNC colleague Ainsley Earhardt. After promising to provide clues to her Twitter followers, Aly Tweeted them airport and arrival pics (1, 2). Shortly thereafter, Aly sent them a video of herself and Ainz, revealing, “We’re here [in Austin] learning how to be action heroes at the very place that trains the stunt doubles for the James Bond movie”: Elaborating in the clip, Ainz added, “We’re going to be blowing up cars, shooting guns [and] jumping through rings of fire; it’s gonna be fun!

Proving Ainz’s point, Aly’s apparent assistant Tweeted her own inside shot, saying, “This looks way frightening @AlisynCamerota packing heat via.me/-7i442ue.” Adding to the intrigue, Aly Tweeted a photo of herself in training,  scaling a mock skyscraper in tandem with Ainz. Subsequently, she sent an action photo of herself with wind-blown tresses next to a roaring fire (with the caption “Just another typical day in the life of a news gal). To top it off, Aly Tweeted a “Charlie’s Angels” shot of herself and Ainz sexily posing with big guns in front of a raging inferno: Tantalizing her fans further in the caption, she wrote, “Stay tuned to find out what @ainsleyearhardt and I have been up to.”

Stay tuned indeed. Ailes’s Angels: Ainz and Aly Cat. Rowrrr!

[Author’s aside: “Just smoking hot!” in the title of this article is derived from F&FW co-anchor Clayton Morris‘ apt description of Aly about two weeks ago. After a smoking segment promo, Clayton turned to Aly and racily remarked, “You smoke.” When Aly chuckled, co-host Dave Briggs interjected, “She’s just smoking!” Eying Aly, Clayton exclaimed, “She’s just smoking hot!” F&FW – 11/25/12 (@ 9:00 a.m. ET)]