Fox News Channel Unveils New Primetime LineUp Oct. 7

FOX News Channel (FNC) will unveil its new primetime lineup on Monday, October 7th, marking the 17th anniversary of the network, announced Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO, FOX News.

Greta Van Susteren will officially kick-off the new line-up with her signature On the Record with Greta Van Susteren at 7PM/ET.  From there, Bill O’Reilly will continue hosting the most-watched cable news program The O’Reilly Factor at 8PM/ET.  At 9PM/ET, Megyn Kelly will debut The Kelly File while Sean Hannity will take over the 10PM/ET timeslot with Hannity for his solo hour. Chief News Anchor and Managing Editor Shepard Smith will be available throughout to insert the latest breaking news into the new programming schedule via the FOX News Deck.

Megan Kelly

As the newest edition to the line-up, The Kelly File (9-10PM/ET) will focus on late-breaking stories in a live format as well as in-depth investigative reports interspersed with newsmaker interviews. While embracing a stronger social media presence, the new program will capitalize on Kelly’s skills as a former litigator, and create a unique platform for developing angles as events unfold.

In making the announcement, Ailes said, “As the network continues to dominate with the top 13 programs in cable news, FOX News already redefined primetime viewing to extend well beyond the antiquated 8-11PM format. We’ve developed a deep bench of engaging and thought-provoking personalities that have grown with FOX News as it has evolved into the most influential and successful cable network in television. These changes will enable the network to continue setting the industry standard for years to come.”

Now live at 7PM/ET weeknights, On the Record will showcase the news Americans care about and explore how they impact our everyday lives. Van Susteren will bring viewers the latest facts through interviews with high profile newsmakers in her tough and fair signature style as well as on the scene reporting.  The program’s popular blog, Gretawire.com will enable her to continue delivering updates at any given time via live steam technology.

In commenting on the announcement, Van Susteren said, “After 11 ½ years number one at 10pm and driving home near midnight, I am ‘to the moon thrilled’ at a new challenge (and a new drive! Half the year I won’t even need headlights!).”

Immediately following On the Record, The O’Reilly Factor (8-9PM/ET) will continue uncovering news items from the established wisdom, operating against the grain of more traditional interview style programs.  The number one cable news program since 2001, O’Reilly’s signature No Spin Zone cuts through the rhetoric as he challenges the players who make the story newsworthy.

Marking her 9PM/ET debut after The Factor, anchor Megyn Kelly said, “In 2003, I was an unhappy lawyer, and made a decision to change my life. Ten years later, I’ve been able to do that thanks in large part to Roger Ailes, a boss who always gives me the same directive:  ‘Be yourself and have fun.’  What a great job.  I am very grateful.”

Moving to the 10-11PM/ET timeslot, Hannity, will continue showcasing Sean Hannity’s provocative style and conservative commentary on politics and the American agenda. The show will also provide a highly interactive viewing experience utilizing tools such as viewer voting and the Hannity Live companion app, a web experience allowing viewers to gain access to exclusive content directly from the show producers in the control room. Hannity will also travel even more across America and expand his studio audience specials like the show’s College Forum.

Hannity held the number one ranking in his previous 9PM/ET timeslot for 56 consecutive months and eclipsed CNN’s Larry King Live in 2003 with Hannity & Colmes becoming the number one 9pm program in cable news.

In commenting on the move, Hannity said, “I am very happy to be moving to 10PM. The ability to be live or on tape greatly increases the flexibility of the show and offers me, after 17 years, the opportunity to be home at night with my family.”