Changes coming to Fox News Watch…
ICN has learned that FNC has not renewed their contributor agreement with Fox News Watch host Eric Burns which is set to expire later this spring. I’m told the program will remain focused on media criticism but will be revamped with a new host and more of an eye on the evolving new media. Fox News Watch handily beats CNN’s Reliable Sources…proving that Fox is not afraid to tweak even successful programming.
This is really surprising - I always liked this guy; granted, I think the format has gotten a bit stale, but I don’t think it’s his fault.
Comment by Enquiring Minds Want to Know — February 7, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
I’d rather they replace all four panelists than replace Burns.
Comment by johnny dollar — February 7, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
I wouldn’t mind FNC having another interview program similar to Judith or Cal’s show. And since they’re the #1 cable news channel, they shouldn’t be worried if the ratings are a tad low for this type of action. Just think of it as a public service. For instance, it could be canned and ran on the weekends in a regular spot.
Comment by Terance — February 7, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
oh no, Fox News Watch with Courtney Friel.
Comment by Stan — February 7, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Terance, those two were the biggest snoozer programs that ever existed! Fox News Watch, its format and its host are perfect as they are, but I think they could mix it up a little with the panelists.
Comment by Missy — February 7, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
^ You notice I didn’t mention Pat Sajack! I forget whether that was on FNC or Fox Broadcast.
Comment by Terance — February 7, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Missy, the format kind of has been worsening in recent months with them moving away from the quick hits and kind of focusing on some stupid element for the last 2 minute segment. Still, a big surprise in my own opinion, but eh, I guess times move on.
Comment by Chris — February 7, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Linda Vester as host, please please please…
One show a week and she’ll have all the time to still be with her kids.
Comment by Lurker — February 7, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Darn… I liked Burns. I even bought his book!
http://www.amazon.com/Infamous-Scribblers-Founding-Beginnings-Journalism/dp/B000MV8HMA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202428440&sr=8-1
I haven’t read it yet, but it does look good on my shelf.
Comment by ImNotBlue — February 7, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
AWWW, I’m very disappointed to hear this. I never missed it, it was always recorded on my dvr. I loved hearing the different points of view. Besides Greta, it was the most fair and balanced on the network!
Comment by newswatcher — February 7, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
Eric will probably get picked up by either CNN or MSNBC.
Comment by Mike Chimeri — February 7, 2008 @ 7:38 pm
I just pray they dump Gabler. I quit watching this show because I could no longer stand his rants.
Comment by petchy — February 7, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
Johnny & Blue: For whatever reason, in recent airings, “Fox News Watch” seems to have lost its structure; for example Burns often doesn’t even introduce the panel. And except for Jane, it has seemed like a revolving door of panelists.
Blue: I also bought Eric’s book (on early journalism, not the history of beer!), but in truth it was a tad boring!
Comment by ira — February 7, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
I’m bummed to hear that there will be no Burns. He did a good job and helped make it my favorite FNC program. Hopefully Burns lands another good gig somewhere. And I hope that the new host FNC hires for the revamped “News Watch” is as fair, low-key and as intelligent as Burns is.
Comment by STP — February 7, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
Let’s hope that Julie Banderas (in form-fitting attire) becomes the new host. If Courtney Friel is still with Fox News, then she wouldn’t be too bad either. I’ll watch with the sound off.
Comment by Tom — February 7, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
They replace the guy who was somewhat fair I see.
Comment by randy — February 7, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
I nominate Uma Pemmaraju for the soon-to-be-vacant post!
Comment by Bob — February 7, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Noo! :( He is a terrific personality. And he is a very funny author, too. His (old) book, “News Blues” is a very funny look at the industry. He is a very capable, trustworthy man who does try to play it pretty even across the board.
Comment by Charles — February 7, 2008 @ 11:33 pm
I like Eric Burns and thought he was a good moderator. However, I agree that recently the show seemed irratic with revolving panelists and changing time periods. Julie Banderas or Gregg Jarrett could do a credible job hosting. I really hope the “new media” panelists won’t be a bunch of 25 year old novices running their mouths. (at the risk of sounding like I am 43 going on 60!)
Comment by Scott — February 8, 2008 @ 12:44 am
> I really hope the “new media” panelists won’t be a bunch of 25 year old novices
How odd that just last week Burns made a point to clarify that neither Pinkerton nor Gabler were off the show by noting who was “filling in” for them.
Comment by johnny dollar — February 8, 2008 @ 12:52 am
I am kind of nervous to see where the show’s new direction will lead. If I were in charge, I make the show an hour. It’s a great show but it goes by so fast. Bring back viewer e-mail. Some people actually made points. Please keep the show politically balanced with the panelists. Finally, stop changing the time slots. Keep it at 6 or 6:30 p.m.; furthermore, show it more than just once a week. I nominate Jon Scott to take over. He’s a good fill-in host!
Comment by Matt — February 8, 2008 @ 1:05 am
> Julie Banderas or Gregg Jarrett could do a credible job hosting. I really hope the “new media” panelists won’t be a bunch of 25 year old novices running their mouths. (at the risk of sounding like I am 43 going on 60!)
HAH! Julie thought Peter Jennings retired and didn’t die and Gregg was (is) a partisan. No thanks!
Comment by Mike Beckham — February 8, 2008 @ 2:38 am
^
HAH! Like you’ve never misspoken before huh? How does this sound? She’s doing a segment on BOR for the 1st time, got nervous and got her names mixed up. Nah, In your partisan mind, she’s just a Fox bimbo.
Comment by Lurker — February 8, 2008 @ 4:24 am
^
Nervous? She did not have a clue what she was speaking about and what is that saying about not throwing stones in glass houses?
Comment by Mike Beckham — February 8, 2008 @ 5:00 am
I fully agree with Lurker about luscious Linda Vester!
Comment by Terance — February 8, 2008 @ 5:39 am
I agree with Matt… an hour long program would be much better.
Comment by ImNotBlue — February 8, 2008 @ 9:58 am
I predict shorter skirts and more “Fox Attitude.” Probably the best thing Fox News does or did. One of the few “roundtable” shows where voices weren’t raised, and righties and lefties frequently reached a consensus by the end of each segment. Clearly this show needed to be retooled.
Comment by DanOregon — February 8, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Their problem is that they follow the Beltway Boys…now that’s a show worthy of axing.
Comment by Mary — February 10, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
Sorry to read that Eric Burns was no longer with Fox..I was
wondering what happened…Happened to see E.D. Hill, hosting the show…Although, I like E.D. I don’t think she is the right person to fill his shoes. If I were Fox, I would reconsider and bring him back…He is smart and added humor to the show..Fox, please don’t make to many changes or
you will find yourself with low ratings like MSNBC!
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