Palin takes Fox News commentator job
ANCHORAGE, AK
"I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management
team at Fox News," Palin said in a statement posted on the
network's Web site. "It's wonderful to be part of a place that so
values fair and balanced news."
Fox said that according to the multiyear deal, Palin will offer
political commentary and analysis on the cable channel, as well as
Fox's Web site, radio network and business cable channel.
She also will host occasional episodes of Fox News' "Real
American Stories," a series debuting this year that the network
said will feature true inspirational stories about Americans who
have overcome adversity.
"Governor Palin has captivated everyone on both sides of the
political spectrum and we are excited to add her dynamic voice to
the FOX News lineup," Bill Shine, executive vice president of
programming, said in a statement.
The network declined to say when Palin will start or how much
she is being paid. Also unclear is how the arrangement will work,
whether Palin will move to New York or commute from Alaska. Company
representatives did not respond to calls seeking comment and
Palin's spokeswoman, Meghan Stapleton, did not respond to e-mails
seeking comment.
Palin, 45, is hugely popular with conservatives and has more
than 1.1 million Facebook followers.
She stepped down as Alaska governor in July, 17 months before
the end of her first term in office and less than a year after she
vaulted to overnight fame as John McCain's running mate.
The bombshell resignation stunned even supporters and fueled
widespread speculation on her next career step -- with predictions
ranging from seeking the presidency in 2012 to hosting a
conservative talk show. She told Barbara Walters in November that a
2012 presidential bid was not on her radar but added she wouldn't
rule out playing some kind of role in the next presidential
election.
Since resigning, Palin has had colossal success with her
best-selling memoir "Going Rogue," released four months after she
left office. She finished a nationwide tour in December after
hitting some of the political battleground states from the 2008
election and drawing thousands of fans.
If she were to seek the presidency, her new job would provide
yet another stage from which to advance her conservative platform.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who sought the presidency in
2008, also hosts a talk show on Fox News and hasn't ruled out
another run for president.
Palin majored in journalism with an emphasis on broadcasting at
the University of Idaho and worked part-time as a weekend
sportscaster in 1988 for KTUU-TV in Anchorage. She wasn't married
at the time and used her maiden name Heath. The station's sports
director, John Carpenter, said the young broadcaster left after a
few months because of the low pay.
Carpenter said he was sorry to see her go. She was a hard worker
who enjoyed the entire process, not just being in front of the
cameras, he said.
"She knew sports, she could talk sports, she looked OK on TV,"
Carpenter said. "She had the aptitude, no question."
Palin's upcoming commentary career had her Facebook fans giddy
with excitement Monday.
"Tell 'em like it is girl!!!!!!," one person wrote on a post.
"I look forward to seeing you on Fox....but I hope it doesn't
prevent you from running in '12!," another wrote.