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Fox Corp. agreed to buy online producer Red Seat Ventures, bringing back into the fold former Fox News commentators including Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly.
Red Seat, founded by Chris and Kevin Balfe, will become part of Fox’s Tubi Media Group, according to a statement Monday. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
The purchase follows comments last week by Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch that the company, owner of the Fox broadcast network and Fox News cable channel, will be expanding its direct-to-consumer efforts.
The deal returns to the Murdoch family media empire a number of personalities who helped make Fox News the most-watched news channel on cable TV, including Tucker Carlson. The Red Seat roster also includes Dr. Phil McGraw, Piers Morgan, Vivek Ramaswamy and Bari Weiss.
The Balfes will continue to lead and operate Red Seat, according to the statement. With 17 shows, Red Seat attracted more than 200 million monthly active views in November and is a top 10 podcast network in the US, the companies said.
The company’s program schedule includes a variety of shows including CrimeCon, Love What Matters and Nancy Grace/CrimeOnline.
Separately, Fox on Monday named Chief Operating Officer John Nallen to the added role of president, part of a new long-term employment deal that runs through June 2028. He has been part of the executive team in Murdoch companies since 1995.
Nallen will get targeted annual bonus and equity awards of $4 million and $6.5 million, respectively.