News outlets report that Tucker Carlson, a longtime television host, announced on Tuesday that he plans to relaunch his program on a new platform after being dismissed from Fox News last month. The move comes as Carlson, a prominent figure on the far-right spectrum in the United States, welcomed the social network led by Elon Musk as a space where he can freely share his opinions, calling it a platform that champions freedom of expression.
The conservative commentator posted a video in which he accuses mainstream media of lying and deceiving the public. This stance mirrors Musk’s own approach in recent months, during which he has curated who speaks on the platform, sometimes limiting coverage of sensitive topics. The platform has also signaled a looser stance on content from users previously suspended for hate speech, including a former U.S. president.
Carlson’s departure from Fox News occurred on April 24, shortly after the network reached a record settlement of $787.5 million over a lawsuit alleging deceptive practices that harmed viewers and misled the public about political information in the 2020 election. Reports noted that Carlson received only a brief heads-up before the termination.
A few days later, The New York Times reported that the network’s board decided to terminate him due to a pattern of disrespectful, misogynistic, and racist remarks revealed in private messages. In one such message, Carlson described a violent incident in a way that suggested satisfaction at harm, a comment that drew strong condemnation and sparked widespread discussion about accountability in media.
radical and effective
For years Carlson leveraged his prominence at Fox News to propagate conspiracy theories and racialized rhetoric that resonated with a segment of white nationalists. He reportedly drew millions of nightly viewers, making him a central figure in the broader media ecosystem led by a prominent owner. His comments often framed immigration in stark terms, contributing to a national debate about identity and policy.
Carlson’s exit has affected Fox News’ audience metrics. The network has seen a drop in viewership, a notable shift for a channel known for its strong conservative leanings and its role in national political discourse in the United States.
Industry reports suggest it is unclear how Carlson’s online show will interact with Fox’s existing contracts, which cover several years and substantial annual compensation. In many media deals, non-compete clauses can complicate post-dismissal arrangements. If Carlson’s new venture proves lucrative for the platform, questions may arise about contract protections and the enforceability of certain terms, though observers note that legal positions can change with new clarifications and filings.
“No deal”
Carlson’s presence on the platform could boost traffic and attract attention, even as musk’s team emphasizes that no formal agreement has been established. The platform has faced scrutiny over content moderation and the balancing act between free expression and responsible communication. There are ongoing conversations about how policies apply to high-profile figures and what constitutes permissible discourse in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The platform itself is navigating a difficult period. Leadership changes have brought in more open experimentation with voices that push the boundaries, while at the same time concerns about advertiser confidence persist. The ongoing shift toward a subscription-based revenue model, including options for enhanced verification and additional features, is shaping how the service sustains itself. This approach aims to diversify income, yet it can also contribute to confusion and the spread of misinformation if not managed carefully.