Fox News announced a significant overhaul of its weekend programming on September 10, with a new lineup set to debut the following week, starting September 20. These changes reflect a strategic recalibration of the network’s on-air talent and program offerings, introducing new faces to prominent roles while adapting to the departure of established personalities. The moves are poised to reshape the viewing experience for its substantial audience, particularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings and evenings.
This series of adjustments encompasses both the elevation of rising conservative voices and the strategic placement of seasoned journalists, aiming to maintain Fox News’s competitive edge in the cable news landscape. The network’s president and executive editor, Jay Wallace, underlined the importance of these shifts in aligning with the current media environment and reinforcing its programming strengths. The alterations also reveal insights into the network’s evolving relationship with political spheres, particularly given the transitions of personnel between Fox News and government roles.
The comprehensive reshuffling signals a dynamic period for the conservative cable giant, with key figures stepping into expanded roles and new programs designed to capture audience attention. From significant solo anchoring opportunities to the expansion of existing shows, these changes are not merely cosmetic but represent a substantial investment in the network’s future direction and its capacity to deliver news and commentary to its loyal viewership.
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1. The Ascent of Kayleigh McEnany: Anchoring ‘Saturday in America’
Kayleigh McEnany, who served as President Donald Trump’s press secretary during his first term from April 2020 to January 2021, has received a substantial promotion at Fox News, underscoring her rapid ascent within the network. Beginning September 20, McEnany will host her own two-hour program, “Saturday in America,” airing at 10 a.m. ET. This new venture marks a significant step for McEnany, who currently co-hosts “Outnumbered,” transitioning her into a solo anchoring role.
McEnany’s trajectory at Fox News has been notably swift. After concluding her tenure in the White House, she joined the network just a few months later in 2021. Her quick rise to securing her own show, especially in a vital Saturday morning slot following “Fox & Friends Weekend,” has drawn attention, particularly in comparison to more tenured network personalities. Jay Wallace, Fox News Media president and executive editor, specifically announced McEnany’s new role, highlighting her continued elevation at the conservative cable giant.
The creation of “Saturday in America” not only solidifies McEnany’s position as a prominent figure at Fox News but also reinforces the network’s practice of integrating former Trump administration officials into its talent roster. Her background as a White House press secretary provides her with unique insights into political discourse, a quality often valued by the network’s audience. This move is a clear indication of Fox News’s commitment to showcasing personalities who resonate with its core conservative viewership.
Furthermore, McEnany’s promotion has been framed by some observers as a potential challenge to other established figures within the network. Her relatively short history with Fox, compared to a personality like Ainsley Earhardt who has been with the network since 2007, suggests a fast-tracked path to prominence. This elevation positions McEnany as a central figure in Fox News’s weekend programming strategy, tasked with delivering a distinct voice to the Saturday morning audience.
2. Pete Hegseth’s Transition to Public Service as Defense Secretary
A significant vacancy in Fox News’s lineup was created by the departure of Pete Hegseth, a former host on the network, who has transitioned into a prominent role within the U.S. government. In November, then-President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense. This move underscored a direct pipeline between the conservative media landscape and high-level political appointments, a recurring theme during Trump’s administration.
Trump’s statement upon Hegseth’s nomination conveyed a strong endorsement of his capabilities, declaring, “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice – Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.” This rhetoric aligned with the administration’s broader strategic vision and Hegseth’s publicly expressed views, suggesting a seamless ideological fit for the demanding Cabinet position. The announcement set the stage for a notable shift in Hegseth’s career trajectory from media personality to a key defense leader.
Despite questions that often surround high-profile political appointments, Hegseth secured confirmation for the Defense Secretary role in January. The vote in the Senate was particularly narrow, with all but three Republicans supporting his nomination, resulting in a 51-50 tally. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, illustrating the contentious nature of the confirmation process and the political stakes involved in such a critical appointment.
Hegseth’s departure necessitated changes to Fox News’s weekend schedule, particularly his co-hosting spot on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” His move to the U.S. Department of Defense exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between the network and the Trump administration, where individuals frequently moved between roles in media and government. This specific transition highlighted the influence and reach of Fox News personalities beyond the broadcast studio.
3. Griff Jenkins Steps into ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’
To fill the significant vacancy left by Pete Hegseth’s transition to the U.S. Department of Defense, Fox News has appointed Griff Jenkins as a new co-host for “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Jenkins, a longtime national correspondent for the network and co-anchor of “Fox News Live,” will now join Charlie Hurt and Rachel Campos-Duffy on the iconic curvy couch, becoming a central figure in the popular Saturday and Sunday morning program. His promotion is part of the broader lineup changes announced by the network.
Jenkins brings extensive experience in news reporting and live broadcasting to his new role. His tenure as a national correspondent has seen him cover a wide array of stories, establishing his presence and credibility with the Fox News audience. This background positions him as a capable successor to Hegseth, ready to engage in discussions on current events, politics, and culture that are central to the “Fox & Friends Weekend” format. His familiarity with the network’s ethos will likely facilitate a smooth transition.
The appointment of Jenkins underscores Fox News’s strategy of promoting seasoned internal talent to key positions. Rather than seeking an external hire for such a prominent role, the network opted for an individual already deeply integrated into its operations and recognized by its viewership. This approach often ensures continuity in brand identity and journalistic standards, which are crucial for a program with a dedicated following like “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
His new co-hosting duties began the week of September 20, aligning with the overall debut of the updated weekend schedule. Jenkins’s presence on “Fox & Friends Weekend” is expected to contribute to the program’s continued appeal, offering a blend of experience and a familiar voice to its weekend audience. This move reflects a concerted effort by Fox News to strengthen its core weekend offerings with reliable and respected personalities.
4. The Debut of ‘The Sunday Briefing’ with Doocy and Heinrich
Further augmenting its revamped weekend lineup, Fox News is introducing a new program titled “The Sunday Briefing.” This show will be co-hosted by two of the network’s senior White House correspondents, Peter Doocy and Jacqui Heinrich, who will rotate weekly as solo anchors. Slated to air at 11 a.m. ET, “The Sunday Briefing” will occupy the late Sunday morning timeslot, replacing the long-running media criticism program “MediaBuzz.”
The selection of Doocy and Heinrich for this new show highlights their prominence within Fox News’s journalistic corps, particularly given their roles covering the White House. Peter Doocy, widely recognized as the son of “Fox & Friends” star Steve Doocy, has established his own reputation for impactful reporting from the White House briefing room. Jacqui Heinrich also brings significant experience and a strong journalistic background, noted further by her engagement to Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.
Their shared experience as senior White House correspondents suggests that “The Sunday Briefing” will likely focus on high-level political news, policy discussions, and in-depth analysis of the week’s major events from Washington. The format of rotating solo hosts offers a dynamic approach, allowing each correspondent to bring their unique perspective and style to the program on alternating weeks. This dual-host structure aims to provide varied insights while maintaining a consistent focus on national political affairs.
This new program represents a strategic pivot for Fox News in the Sunday morning slot. By replacing a media criticism show with a program centered on White House reporting, the network appears to be emphasizing direct political commentary and analysis from its frontline journalists. It also underscores the network’s investment in its White House correspondent team, elevating their profiles beyond daily news segments to a dedicated weekly platform.
5. Expanding ‘The Big Weekend Show’ to a Three-Hour Format
In a significant expansion of its weekend programming, Fox News announced that “The Big Weekend Show” will now become a three-hour program, airing from 5 to 8 p.m. ET on both Saturdays and Sundays. This extension reflects the network’s strategy to broaden its live commentary and roundtable discussions during prime weekend hours, aiming to capture a larger audience share with more in-depth and continuous content. The expanded format will allow for more comprehensive coverage and diverse perspectives on current events.
The decision to expand “The Big Weekend Show” indicates the program’s success and its importance within the network’s overall weekend schedule. As a roundtable program, it typically features a panel of hosts and commentators discussing the day’s headlines and major political and cultural issues. The additional hour provides greater flexibility for deeper dives into complex topics, extended debates, and more guest appearances, enhancing its appeal to viewers seeking prolonged analytical content.
This move also accompanies the introduction of new co-hosts to the program. While specific details about all four new co-hosts will be elaborated further, the context mentions that Fox News star and retired Marine Johnny Joey Jones and conservative commentator Tomi Lahren are among those joining the expanded show. Their inclusion signals an injection of fresh voices and perspectives, designed to energize the program and appeal to a broader segment of the conservative viewership.
The expansion to three hours, effective the week of September 20, is a clear strategic decision to fortify Fox News’s evening weekend lineup. By providing a more substantial block of programming, the network aims to maintain audience engagement and offer a compelling alternative in a competitive media landscape. This commitment to extending popular shows demonstrates confidence in their format and their ability to attract and retain a loyal viewership base throughout the weekend evenings.
6. The Cancellation of ‘MediaBuzz’ and Howard Kurtz’s New Role
The extensive changes to Fox News’s weekend schedule also included a significant programming cancellation: the long-running media criticism program, “MediaBuzz.” This decision marks a notable shift in the network’s Sunday morning lineup, which had hosted the program since 2013 under the stewardship of Howard Kurtz. The show’s termination is part of a broader strategic repositioning of the network’s offerings, making way for new content like “The Sunday Briefing.”
Howard Kurtz, a prominent figure in media analysis, hosted “MediaBuzz” for over a decade. His career included anchoring CNN’s “Reliable Sources” from 1998 to 2013 before joining Fox News. His tenure at “MediaBuzz” solidified his reputation as a leading authority on media coverage within cable news, providing a platform for contrasting viewpoints and tackling sensitive subjects with a stated commitment to independence.
Despite the program’s cancellation, Kurtz will remain with Fox News Media in a revised capacity. He is set to transition into a role as a political media analyst, continuing to offer his insights across the network’s programming. His “Media Buzzmeter” podcast will also persist on the digital website, ensuring his analytical voice remains accessible in a different format.
Jay Wallace, Fox News Media president, affirmed the network’s continued appreciation for Kurtz, noting his role as “the lead authority for media coverage in cable news.” Kurtz expressed profound pride in “MediaBuzz,” highlighting its consistent top ratings for over 12 years and its loyal audience. He acknowledged, however, that “time marches on,” reflecting the inevitable evolution within the media landscape.
7. The Broader Implications: The Absence of Media Criticism on Cable
The discontinuation of “MediaBuzz” carries broader implications for the landscape of cable news. With the program’s cancellation, the cable news environment is now devoid of any dedicated programs focused solely on media criticism. This development follows CNN’s decision to shutter “Reliable Sources” in 2022, leaving “MediaBuzz” as the last remaining media-centric show on cable television.
This trend signifies a notable shift away from explicit, dedicated self-analysis within the cable news ecosystem. Programs like “MediaBuzz” offered a weekly forum to examine how news was being reported, providing a meta-commentary on the industry’s practices, biases, and evolving narratives. Their absence means that viewers seeking dedicated critique must now look to other platforms or rely on fragmented analysis embedded within broader news programs.
The historical role of media criticism programs has been to hold news organizations accountable, dissect reporting methodologies, and engage in discussions about journalistic ethics. While critics and analysts will continue to exist across various outlets, the disappearance of a dedicated, hour-long slot for this purpose on major cable networks suggests a potential prioritization of direct news and political commentary over introspective industry analysis.
8. The Introduction of New ‘The Big Weekend Show’ Co-Hosts
As part of the network’s strategy to broaden its live commentary and engage a larger audience, “The Big Weekend Show” has been expanded to a three-hour format. This extension, airing from 5 to 8 p.m. ET on both Saturdays and Sundays, is accompanied by the introduction of new co-hosts, infusing fresh perspectives into the program’s dynamic roundtable discussions. Among these additions are Johnny Joey Jones and Tomi Lahren, recognized figures within conservative media.
Johnny Joey Jones, a Fox News star and retired Marine, brings a background rooted in military service and a distinct voice to the program. His contributions often provide insights informed by his experiences, resonating with a segment of the audience that values perspectives grounded in national service and conservative principles. His established presence as a Fox News contributor further solidifies his role as a familiar and trusted personality for the network’s viewership.
Complementing Jones is conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, known for her outspoken views and significant following across various media platforms. As a host for Fox Nation, Lahren has cultivated a strong personal brand, engaging with political and cultural issues from a conservative standpoint. Her inclusion in “The Big Weekend Show” aligns with Fox News’s ongoing effort to feature diverse voices within the conservative spectrum.
The strategic placement of Jones and Lahren alongside other co-hosts is designed to enhance the program’s appeal and analytical depth. By bringing together a panel with varied experiences—from military backgrounds to digital media influence—the network aims to foster lively debates and comprehensive discussions on the week’s major headlines. This move reflects a concerted effort to fortify the evening weekend lineup with compelling and recognizable conservative talent.
9. Fox News as a Political Staffing Agency: The Administration Connection
The recent programming adjustments at Fox News underscore a discernible and long-standing symbiotic relationship between the conservative media giant and the political sphere, particularly with the administration of former President Donald Trump. This connection has manifested not only in ideological alignment but also in a notable personnel pipeline, where individuals frequently transition between roles within the network and high-level government positions.
Kayleigh McEnany’s rapid ascent within Fox News exemplifies this dynamic. After serving as President Trump’s press secretary from April 2020 to January 2021, she joined the network months later, swiftly securing her own show. Her trajectory is mirrored by other instances, such as Pete Hegseth’s nomination and confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Defense, directly from his role as a Fox News host. Such movements illustrate the network’s role as a de facto talent pool for political appointments.
Beyond these high-profile examples, the relationship extends to a broader pattern of recruitment. The context highlights that “the Trump administration has used Fox News as its personal staffing agency,” noting that “in just the first few months of Trump’s return to office, his administration has hired roughly two dozen former Fox News employees.” This extensive transfer of personnel includes “family members and former Trump staffers working at the network,” alongside “MAGA-boosting hosts who serve as informal advisers to the president.”
Further reinforcing this intricate link is the observation that Kayleigh McEnany is the “former boss of current White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt,” who has “adopted much of McEnany’s approach to dealing with traditional media outlets.” This detail not only illustrates a direct mentorship and ideological continuity but also signifies the enduring influence of Fox News figures within the highest echelons of government communication.
10. Internal Dynamics: McEnany’s Ascent and Network Perceptions
The swift elevation of Kayleigh McEnany to her own two-hour show, “Saturday in America,” has brought with it observations regarding the internal dynamics within Fox News. Her rapid rise, particularly compared to more tenured personalities, has been noted as a significant development, potentially affecting established figures within the network’s roster.
McEnany’s relatively short tenure at Fox News, having joined just months after concluding her role as White House press secretary in January 2021, contrasts sharply with the long-standing careers of other prominent female hosts. For instance, Ainsley Earhardt, a cohost of “Fox & Friends,” has been with the network since 2007, serving in her current role for over a decade. This difference in experience and the speed of McEnany’s promotion have generated discussion regarding career progression paths.
While public declarations of internal sentiment are rare, the context of these promotions invites speculation about behind-the-scenes reactions. The narrative within the network’s coverage, suggesting that “it is entirely possible that she [Earhardt] feels overlooked now that McEnany has been given her own show in what seems like a vital time slot,” highlights the competitive nature inherent in high-profile media roles. Such swift advancements can understandably lead to questions about perceived fairness or the valuation of seniority versus recent public profile.
This situation points to a broader characteristic of the media industry where rapid ascensions can occur, driven by factors such as political relevance, public recognition, and strategic network decisions. The documented fact is a notable shift in prominence that underscores the dynamic and sometimes intensely competitive environment among leading personalities in cable news.
11. The Tragic Loss of Charlie Kirk and Fox News’s Community Ties
Amidst the comprehensive programming and personnel changes, Fox News’s recent announcements were juxtaposed with a somber event: the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. This tragic incident, occurring on September 10 at a campus event at Utah Valley University, brought to light the human element and broader community ties that connect the network to prominent conservative figures and activists.
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, husband, and father of two, was known for his close political alliance with former President Donald Trump. His engagement with Fox News was not merely as a subject of news but also as a participant, as he had recently guest cohosted “Fox & Friends Weekend” in July. This role illustrated the network’s practice of integrating influential conservative voices into its on-air programming, further solidifying its ties to the broader conservative movement.
The inclusion of the detail about Kirk’s death within the context of the network’s programming changes highlights the intertwined nature of conservative media and political activism. It underscores how personalities who are significant in the political sphere often find a platform and a community within Fox News, blurring the lines between media personality and political operative. This connection is fundamental to the network’s identity and its relationship with its audience.
A poignant detail shared in the aftermath of his death further emphasized Kirk’s personal connection to the network’s environment. A behind-the-scenes video from his “Weekend” hosting gig, shared after he was shot, depicted his daughter running into his arms as he sat on the famed curvy white couch of “Fox & Friends Weekend.” This imagery subtly conveyed a sense of family and camaraderie often cultivated within the network, extending to its guests and broader conservative ecosystem.
The sweeping changes across Fox News’s weekend programming signal a period of significant strategic recalibration for the network. From elevating new voices and consolidating talent to cancelling long-running shows and expanding others, these adjustments reflect a dynamic response to evolving audience preferences and the competitive media landscape. The network continues to navigate its complex relationship with political figures, embodying a unique role within conservative media. As these new lineups debut, Fox News endeavors to reinforce its position as a dominant force in cable news, continually adapting its offerings to inform, engage, and retain its dedicated viewership in a rapidly shifting media environment.
