Greta Van Susteren_AP.jpg
Greta Van Susteren abruptly leaves Fox News
Brit Hume to take over 7 p.m. timeslot
By HADAS GOLD 09/06/16 10:03 AM EDT
Longtime Fox News host Greta Van Susteren is leaving the channel after 14 years, Fox News announced on Tuesday.
Senior political analyst Brit Hume will take over for Van Susteren’s 7 p.m. show “On the Record” starting immediately, and running through the election. It isn’t clear what will happen to the timeslot after the election.
“We are grateful for Greta’s many contributions over the years and wish her continued success,” Fox co-presidents Jack Abernethy and Bill Shine said in a statement.
No reasons were given in the Fox News announcement for Van Susteren’s departure, and she did not immediately respond to a direct message seeking comment.
A source close to the situation said it was a financial disagreement that led to Van Susteren’s departure, and Fox News’ Howie Kurtz reported Van Susteren tried to renegotiate her contract when Ailes left. Van Susteren, who had a clause in her contract that allowed her out if Ailes left, decided to leave last week when those negotiations “deadlocked.”
“On Thursday night, I made my decision and informed Fox News of my decision that I was leaving Fox News Channel per my contract,” Van Susteren wrote on her Facebook page Tuesday. “Fox has not felt like home to me for a few years and I took advantage of the clause in my contract which allows me to leave now. The clause had a time limitation, meaning I could not wait.”
In July, Van Susteren told The Daily Beast in a piece defending former Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes that she had a long-term contract but would be happy returning to teaching or law if she loses that contract.
“My contract is with the corporation,” she said at the time. “I’m not trying to get a new one.”
Hume is a Fox and ABC News veteran. He spent 10 years as anchor of “Special Report” and also served as Washington managing editor.
“I am happy to take on this assignment for the balance of this extraordinary election. My Fox News colleagues have set a high standard for political coverage which I’ll do my best to uphold. I’m honored to be asked,” Hume said in a statement.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/media/story/2016/09/greta-van-susteren-abruptly-leaves-fox-news-004744#ixzz4JW6zgRjn
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