Fox News has canceled its long-running show "The Big Story:"
Fox News Channel, tinkering for the first time in eight years with its popular early evening lineup, is replacing its 5 p.m. news broadcast, "The Big Story," with an election-theme program for the foreseeable future. The network confirmed this week that "America's Election HQ," a program that displaced "The Big Story" temporarily last month, would continue indefinitely. The program's hosts, Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly, also anchor the network's mid-morning newscast and are seen as rising stars on the channel. The change was first reported by the blog TVNewser.com. John Gibson, the longtime host of "The Big Story," will continue to have a role on television, the network said, although it appears that his future for now lies mostly on radio.
A former MSNBC host, Gibson has become known for semi-frequently attacking his former employer, particularly its left-wing host Keith Olbermann, whom Gibson refers to as "Bathtub Boy." The reference is to Olbermann's extreme reluctance to cover the Monica Lewinsky scandal of then-president Bill Clinton. According to Gibson, Olbermann preferred to stay at home and sit in the bathtub rather than come in to work.
Update 04-08, 0:39. A ray of hope for Gibson fans? Unlikely. Being "indefinitely" preempted is almost certainly networkspeak on the part of FNC execs who don't want to offend "Big Show" fans.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Okay ...
April 7, 2008 - 15:51 ET by drillanwrI, for one, am highly PI$$ED! about THIS!
Fox News had better NOT lose this guy. He IS one of my favorites on FNC.
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
So am I. I watched John
April 8, 2008 - 09:41 ET by misterbee241So am I. I watched John every day and was a fan. I suspected something was up when Fox brought in that airhead Heather Nowert. Then Bill Hemmer and Megan Kelly got an afternoon show (in addition to their morning show) covering this never ending interminable election. I wrote a couple of emails inquiring when John would be back but of course no answer, not that I expected one.
I think from now on I'll just get my news from the blogs. Aside from Britt Hume Fox isnt worth watching anymore.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
The big story
April 7, 2008 - 16:03 ET by burtonrobsonWhen they say it's not about the money, it's always about the money!!! Dumb move FOX.
I felt this was coming. The
April 7, 2008 - 16:11 ET by Gary P JacksonI felt this was coming. The Election HQ program has been up and running for some time. I hate this one myself. I like Gibson. He can be a little heavy in the Anna Nicole, Brittany, Paris stuff, but overall, pretty consistently pro American. Not something you will see at other networks.
not a happy camper
April 7, 2008 - 16:16 ET by johnnybubI really enjoyed john gibsons show,, I loved his MY word,, and always thought he was every bit as good as o'reily,
hopefully I can still listen to him on XM
FOX
April 7, 2008 - 16:53 ET by okiehawk44Who's next Mr. Murdock? Big mistake! John Gibson is a winner. Don't lose him FOX.
Generally, I am a big FoxNews fan...
April 7, 2008 - 16:54 ET by PrairieSkyBut the decision to bench John Gibson is not one of their better ones. I understand that Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly are the "big deals" right now, and that their show "America's Election HQ" is hot because of the election, but I do hope that the powers that be will find another vehicle for Mr. Gibson, and not let him leave the network. The fact that Geraldo Rivera has managed to stay on at Fox (Lord knows why), and Gibson is kept cooling his heels indefinitely, makes no sense to me. I say, cancel Geraldo, and give his spot to John Gibson.
I second this request
April 7, 2008 - 20:06 ET by general companyGibson has long been one of my favorites, been wondering where his "My Word" artical on the web site had gone. We need more of these guys ,,not less. Geraldo must go,
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
John's kind of rough
April 8, 2008 - 10:04 ET by misterbee241John's kind of rough looking. He doesnt fit the "pretty" requirement that Fox has these days. Hemmer and Kelly do.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I had a suspicion that
April 7, 2008 - 16:59 ET by pocomocoI had a suspicion that something was about to happen to The Big Story when they teamed Gibson up with a female co-host.
Are we seeing further "chick-a-fication" (thank you Rush) of cable news with their long, blonde, high school, cheerleader, haidos?
However, I was very impressed with Megyn Kelly during the primaries. She seems to be an excellent, no nonsense reporter.
And FOX would be idiots if they didn't do something special with Gibson.
re:pocomoco
April 7, 2008 - 17:15 ET by PrairieSkyI too had a feeling that something was coming for awhile now. But, I'd like to say something in defense of the attractive, blonde female reporters and anchors that are populating the airwaves at the moment. First off, the long hairstyle that so many of these women are wearing is very popular among women in general right now. I think it is demeaning to these women to focus on just their appearances. Most if not all of these women, on Fox anyway, are obviously very intelligent and have advanced degrees. Several of the women in question are lawyers. Many others have advanced degrees in other fields, as well. I agree that Megyn Kelly is excellent. That said, I do very much hope that a place on air is found soon for John Gibson. He's too good to let get away.
It is obvious that this is
April 7, 2008 - 17:42 ET by pocomocoIt is obvious that this is the appearance ‘the suits’ want. Frankly, I think it makes them look unprofessional. I get the feeling that they just came off the set of Bring It On.
As for Kelly, I was very impressed with her during the primaries and her free-wheeling banter with Brit Hume. Now, will her free-wheeling style be inhibited because she will be ‘ball and chained’ to a tele-prompter?
I'm also thinking of proposing a constitutional amendment that says: Women over 30 should not wear their hair below their chin.
re:pocomoco-You're right about one thing...
April 7, 2008 - 17:52 ET by PrairieSkyThe decision concerning who to put on the air is based in part on their appearance...male or female. "The Suits" may have made a conscious decision to pursue blonde female on air talent. Who knows? But I disagree that the appearance of these women makes them and Fox look unprofessional. Only dark-haired women have credibility and look professional on the air? That's baloney. Professionally, these women, indeed everyone, should be judged by what comes out of their mouths, and by what they do in their careers...Not by their haircolor and their personal appearance. And about the "amendment" concerning women over 30 and their hairlength..real cute.
Unfortunately, in TV news
April 7, 2008 - 18:33 ET by pocomocoUnfortunately, in TV news reporting, one cannot judge a person by what comes out of his or her mouth because they are just newreaders. They are reading what has been written for them by a news editor and their job is to read it off a tele-prompter.
And I don't care how many degrees they have, it just means that they can understand what they are reading.
As for my constitutional amendment, notice I used the word 'wear' - not cut.
Uhh, I don't know about
April 7, 2008 - 19:40 ET by compmanUhh, I don't know about that, poco. It doesn't bother me if a good female reporter also happens to be good looking. That's just an added bonus. But I also pay just such attention to them as I do other less attractive female reporters.
As far as the women having hair above their necks, I, personally, like a little above or below the shoulder. I sure do not like a beehive or "Winona Ryder in Alien 3" haircut!
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. - Sir Winston Churchill
Added bonus?
April 7, 2008 - 22:28 ET by Cool ArrowRedundant.
Bonuses are, by definition, added.
♣ a seal
re:pocomoco-Well, I guess we'll just have to agree...
April 7, 2008 - 21:27 ET by PrairieSkyto disagree... Plenty of what anchors and reporters say on air is not just scripted and off a teleprompter. The off hand comments made by these anchors/reporters about the stories that they are reporting on can be very illuminating as to what these people really think about a topic. They also can be indicative of how much (or not) these folks have in the 'ol attic. I can list several on air personalities that are demonstrably very bright and well-informed. I can also list a number that are as dumb as a box of rocks!
In today's media, I don't think that most on air anchors/reporters are just talking heads. If anything, I think the networks, Fox included, likely encourage their on air talent to share some of what they think with the audience. I'm not sure if that's necessarily a good thing...I generally would prefer if anchors/reporters would just tell me the news...I'll decide what I think about it myself, thank you. But, that is the nature of the medium today.
Believe me, Prairie Sky, I
April 8, 2008 - 10:12 ET by misterbee241Believe me, Prairie Sky, I am judging that Saturday morning airhead by what comes out of her mouth. She might go far but it wont be her brains that get her there.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Like I said...
April 8, 2008 - 14:20 ET by PrairieSkySome of these on air folks are sharp, and some are dull. And you're right...An advanced degree isn't necessarily indicative of great intelligence. It is indicative of a certain initiative and perseverance, and at least a modicum of brains to see it through. As far as not liking who's on the air, just change the channel, and/or write Fox (or whoever) and express your dissatisfaction.
I spent 36 years of my life
April 8, 2008 - 10:08 ET by misterbee241I spent 36 years of my life working with people who had "advanced" degrees. Many of them could not literally pour water out of a boot. In my experience an "advanced" degree is not an indicator of, nor a measure of intelligence. How many degrees do you need to read the news? A high school cheerleader who can read at 8th grade level can do the job of these Fox news-babes.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
I appreciate good looking
April 8, 2008 - 09:50 ET by misterbee241I appreciate good looking women as much as the next guy, but I'm really, really getting tired - no, make that already tired of these never ending blonde half wits on Fox. Fox & Friends Weekend have a new total airhead blond on there now. I dont remember her name, but she's a total twit. Is a pretty face and a great pair of legs all it takes to get a job on Fox?
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Makes You Scratch Your Head
April 7, 2008 - 17:01 ET by BourbeauFirst, unless I missed something, John Gibson consistently had the highest rated show in his time slot, so he had to be bringing in the ad dough. Secondly, the Big Story always had good variety of topics and was the perfect intro to Brit Hume - I can't remember the last time I changed channels at 6 PM. I didn't understand what they were thinking when they added Heahter Nauert, not that she's not pleasant, she just seemed like a third wheel. But hey, if that makes you happy, go for it. To go from that, to happy face Hemmer and Kelly, is nothing short of dumb. I'm sure they're both "rising stars", but for my money, they're not even comparable to Gibson. So to Fox, all I can say is, I'm not watching.
Watch for Britt Hume to be
April 8, 2008 - 10:15 ET by misterbee241Watch for Britt Hume to be the next anchor to get "reassigned." Then a pretty face with a great pair of legs will be sitting in his chair.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Gibson is working hard behind the scenes
April 7, 2008 - 17:05 ET by TBinSTLfrom what I hear. His backstage role is keeping him busy. I just hope that this means we will see him on Red Eye.
Gibson
April 7, 2008 - 18:08 ET by ChaitealoverI'd prefer to see him instead of Red Eye, not on it. That program is too painful to watch. Maybe if they found panelists with wit, it might be ok.
I've been unhappy with the Fox lineup since they changed Brit Hume's second showing. Here in SoCal it's on at 3:00 pm [when most folks are at work], then it was repeated at 9:00 pm, a reasonable hour. Months ago they changed it to midnight [after Red Eye], finally they got a little sense and switched it with RE, showing it at 11:00 [when workers need to get to sleep]. Now we get H&C at 6:00 & 9:00 and Greta Van Missing Persons at 7:00 and 10:00. Brit Hume has the most consistently intelligent program on Fox, and they schedule him at what's got to be the worst times. I can't figure out why, as he's the Washington General Manager. Who's planning the schedule, anyway?
Chai
Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you…of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you. Nikita Khrushchev
I always said...
April 7, 2008 - 17:06 ET by blogonatorhe is the most underrated personality on fox. I appreciated his perspective on stories from his interviewing to his "My Word". As for his covering tabloid stories that was his background coming from LA. Fox is really screwing up by dumping him.
Gibson
April 7, 2008 - 17:10 ET by racer148First Eric Burns, now John Gibson. Who's running FOX these days, a Liberal? Another dumb move and one less viewer. Plus The Factor is becoming "Extra". Oh well, still have 3 hours of Gibson on radio, unless they get rid of him there also.
Megyn and Bill have terrible
April 7, 2008 - 17:23 ET by FairlightMegyn and Bill have terrible chemistry together. Both pro's, but sometimes it's painful to watch their interaction.
I've liked John Gibson since
April 7, 2008 - 17:25 ET by marpelI've liked John Gibson since the OJ trial days. What Fox needs to do is hose down O'Reilly with some cold water, (he's been featuring a lot of sexual stuff, and it won't let me get passed the falafel incident with him and his assistant); and PLEASE, PLEASE, get rid of Greta Van Sustern...she's a nightmare!
Gibson
April 7, 2008 - 17:57 ET by iveseenitallGibson--experienced, thoughtful, conservative. He's a blonde, but he's not very sexy. What a shame he may be gone from the only unbiased network left on t.v. He's a man who sticks to his principles in a business which has lost most of its principles.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
John Gibson and Heather Nauert
April 7, 2008 - 17:53 ET by ConspiracyJohn was one of my favorites on Fox. Although I didn't like her at first, after a short time I thought Heather Nauert was a big plus to the show. She was killer in her interviews--never let anyone dodge a question and I thought she was an up-and-coming star for Fox. I liked Megyn and Bill before they paired up--now BORING! Megyn seems like some silly woman you don't want to know and Bill seems like he's trying to project his voice to sound like the quintessential talk show host. If you can get by this, their program is just filled with nonsense. What a big step down for Fox News!
Megyn seems like some silly
April 7, 2008 - 17:59 ET by NewsbusterbrownMegyn seems like some silly woman you don't want to know
Speak for yourself. :-D
“There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” - Ronald Reagan (1964 Republican Convention)
This Makes Me Sick
April 7, 2008 - 17:57 ET by Lisa JI was so worried that John Gibson had been canceled. It is this simple: ALL THAT MATTERS ON FNC IS LOOKS. Period. Megyn Kelly is prettier than John so she gets the time slot.
I thank God for FNC considering the alternatives but they are bumming me right out with these silly playboy bunny anchors.
I love John Gibson and am REALLY angry about this.
Not Liking The Changes
April 7, 2008 - 18:35 ET by CherDashI'm with everyone else, thinking that Fox News cancelling The Big Show is not a good idea. I loved the My Word segment, John Gibson is one of the best commentators around.
Say it ain't so!!
April 7, 2008 - 19:12 ET by ZippyTheChimp"America's Election HQ" is completely unwatchable. Hemmer/Kelly are terrible. WAAAAAAY too happy. WAAAAAAY to cool for their own good.
As soon at F&F is over I change the channel--ditto following Cavuto.
-ZippyTheChimp
Move Gibson to Geraldo's spot
April 7, 2008 - 19:59 ET by Dustin JolleyI think that Fox News should move Gibson to Geraldo's spot, and get rid of Geraldo. I've always despised Geraldo, especially his annoying-anti-white-left-winger-disguised-as-a-Conservative persona. Lol.
Best idea I've heard all
April 7, 2008 - 20:20 ET by jpm100Best idea I've heard all day.
Great Move
April 7, 2008 - 21:52 ET by the curatorFOX got this one right. To keep around a guy who is basically OReilly-lite (a conservative with an ax to grind on a nightly basis) wasn't helpful.
This way, they've diversified by bringing in a different and timely show (Election HQ).
Plus, Gibson sank his ship with his mockery of Heath Ledger's death.
"I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation-building."
-President George W. Bush, October 11, 2000
Sorry to see John go
April 7, 2008 - 22:12 ET by BlondeI'd wondered what was up with the 5:00 hour on Fox...which I'd catch occasionally upon my return home.
As it stands now, the only watchable show on Fox is Brit Hume's....and maybe Chris Wallace's Fox News Sunday.
The rest is total trash.
I've been tuning in to MSNBC in the a.m. Seriously....Morning Joe is just too rich for words. When the MSNBC folks are not interviewing each other (an experience! trust me, it's worth watching just for the silliness)....Joe is busy, busy skewering the liberal and "oh so elite" Mika. Miss Tourette's syndrome, licking her lips, twitching with liberal bias, trying to get Joe to like her...seriously all, she is more pathetic than a fifteen year old cheerleader. It is funnier than anything you could write if you tried....and worth watching just for the amusement factor.
I am to the point I refuse to take any of the televised media seriously in the least little bit. It's a liberating view of the media. Watch it and laugh at the stupidity....they collectively couldn't be dumber if they tried.
All of them....Fox included.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Obvious move
April 7, 2008 - 22:30 ET by Cool ArrowWhen they brought in Heather Knowert to co-host his show, it was obvious the nudge was in play.
♣ a seal
Cool, I 'm glad I read the
April 8, 2008 - 00:50 ET by bigtimerCool, I 'm glad I read the other posts here before commenting, because you said it all...not long afterwards of her joining the show permanently I quit watching one of my favorite shows....
Sadly.
I watched when she first joined the network, she was one of Gore's students in whatever glass he was teaching now and then and she was reporting that back then, it wasn't Gibson's show at the time...nevertherless...
IMHO what Fox has slowly done is lose a lot of viewers this way.
Btw..I have been watching Gibson since msnbc and him being a replacement for Geraldo's show there...during impeachment era.
I feel this is Fox's loss...but then again they are aiming for new viewers in my opinion...while they lose a lot of people like me.
Oh well...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
FREE JOHN GIBSON!
April 7, 2008 - 22:30 ET by R D HelmThis is mal-odorous BS of the rather ripe variety.
John could replace the utterly worthless Fox & Friends, Greta's abortion of a show, or Geraldo's joke of a show, without even breaking a sweat.
Theme for Election '08: I want my mommy!
Thanks Matt!
April 7, 2008 - 22:53 ET by tracheostomyToday I learned why he called him "Bathtub Boy."
Awesome.
That one was really driving me nuts. I really hate in-jokes when I'm not in on 'em.
-PJ
"Trake: Your lofty convictions are another blemish on the rump of congregational sectarianism." -Tumbler 5/15/07
FOX is becoming the BGN
April 8, 2008 - 00:29 ET by DelsaBGN for Bubble Gum Network
Gibson and Cavuto are the only two I would watch day time. At night I sometimes do not watch at all.
Gibson is almost the last straw for me.
FOX is melding into the others so fast I almost do not know the difference any more.
Too cute by half and now no longer FOX it is BGN all the time!
McCain and now this. Sooooo sad.
According to this TV Newser
April 8, 2008 - 02:36 ET by Gary P JacksonAccording to this TV Newser story, Gibson is not canceled. http://www.mediabist...
My guess is this is a temporary deal, because of the huge interest in this election. Gibson has been on the show a few times, and even done a "My Word" segment.
I like Megyn Kelly. She's tough. Of course, so is Heather. About the only one on Fox that I can't handle, is Lis Wiehl. She's snarky, and rather condescending. Just can't handle her!
AAAARRRGHH!!!
April 8, 2008 - 07:18 ET by UnsaneDamnit! This is one of the best programs Fox had to offer!
(By the way, John Gibson was awesome and all, but I can't help but think that Heather Nauert is just ridiculously hot!)
Even more disturbing in my mind is the trend to tabloid journalism Fox (and others) is taking. Really, I don't care about Britney Spears. Can't we just leave stories about her to the likes of Entertainment Tonight, et al?
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
I miss John's My Word everyday...
April 8, 2008 - 10:19 ET by deedledeeI saw him give it on one of their shows the other day and was glad to see that but Fox is not using him regularly now.
I like Bill Hemmer, but Megan, though she may be nice, makes me turn the channel. After the end of every segment she says "Interesting" over and over...John would have something intelligent to wrap up each segment. And she keeps pronouncing "a" as in "a republican source" as "aaye" and "the" as in "the Republican source" as "thee". It's too like people who call Italians "Eye-talians." It just grates on my nerves! Please bring back John!!
I understand this election
April 8, 2008 - 11:08 ET by Chris NormanI understand this election is important, but I think Fox, as it tends to do with a few stories, is over-covering it. How many times do we need to know that it's mathematically impossible for Hillary to win enough delegates or watch two or three "strategists" argue about what the candidates "need to do" I'd like to know more about the events happening right now that any president is going to have to address. We don't need so much coverage of the horse race.