Seriously, what executive would consider hiring such people? What self-respecting network would associate themselves with someone like O'Reilly, Hannity, Cavuto, et al? They are a ratings boom for Fox, that's why they get paid the big-bucks. Not because they are correct, but because they draw in a crowd. Everyone loves a good car-wreck.
When it comes time to re-negotiate your contract, this puts Fox at a HUGE advantage over you. Any shread of journalistic ethics, credibility, and honesty you have is sold out - including your soul - when you sign with Rupert Murdock.
So, it is with little suprise that Brian Kilmeade - you know, the guy on Fox & Friends who takes himself far too seriously - tried to play tough with his contract re-negotiation and it didn't end well.
Fox News has been making many deals lately, as Thursday's New York Times notes: Bill O'Reilly was just signed for over $10 million a year, Sean Hannity recently signed a multi-year contract renewal, Shep Smith re-upped for $8 million/year last year, and the network just lured Headline News' Glenn Beck.
But amidst this dealmaking, Huffington Post hears that one Fox News personality was left in the dust: "Fox & Friends" co-host Brian Kilmeade, whose recent contract negotiations didn't go quite as smoothly as the others.
According to sources, Kilmeade attempted to play hardball in his latest contract renewal negotiations and overplayed his hand with a series of ridiculous demands. We're told Fox News executives called his bluff and shut down negotiations with his agent, CAA's Alan Berger (who also represents Katie Couric and Erin Burnett). Within hours, Kilmeade and Berger returned with their tails between their legs and their hat in their hands, and Kilmeade signed on to another contract with only a nominal raise.
I'm certain that Kilmede could get a job elsewhere, but nothing on par with what he's doing now. Lunatic-fringe hacks don't last long outside Fox - or inside if their ratings aren't up to par. Anyone remember how long Rush Limbaugh lasted on ESPN?
Nuff said.
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