Fox News Expands into New Media with Licensing Deal for Popular ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

Fox News Expands into New Media with Licensing Deal for Popular ‘Ruthless’ Podcast

On Tuesday, Fox News Media unveiled a strategic licensing arrangement with the widely recognized ‘Ruthless’ podcast, a significant move as the company enhances its footprint in the new media landscape.

Suzanne Scott, the CEO of Fox News Media, emphasized the ongoing success of the media ecosystem the network has built over the past seven years. According to Scott, this partnership serves as a logical extension of their influential brand, as audiences increasingly redefine how they engage with quality content.

She stated, “We have nurtured an exceptional roster of personalities who are well-prepared to thrive in today’s changing media environment, where podcasting provides unique opportunities for profound engagement with our audiences.”

Leadership Expansion Fosters New Media Growth

In light of these developments, Fox News Digital’s President and Editor-in-Chief, Porter Berry, will expand his responsibilities to lead this new media venture.

Scott commended Berry’s leadership capabilities, noting that his expertise would bolster the new media endeavors and creators, thereby fortifying Fox News Digital’s position.

Berry expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honored to step into the New Media role and advance Suzanne’s bold vision across digital, social, and podcasting platforms. As the creator economy continues to evolve — a spirit that ‘Ruthless’ has embraced from the start — we are broadening our reach to connect with audiences where they engage with Fox News Media content, which remains unparalleled.”

‘Ruthless’ Podcast: A Growing Phenomenon

The co-hosts of ‘Ruthless’ shared their excitement regarding the partnership. They remarked, “We are thrilled to elevate ‘Ruthless’ through this strategic alliance. There is a burgeoning demand for genuine political and cultural discussions, and our podcast offers unfiltered, irreverent insights that resonate with our dedicated audience.”

What began as a modest audio podcast has since evolved into one of the most identifiable conservative brands in the digital age.

The Origin of ‘Ruthless’

‘Ruthless’ debuted in October 2020, created by Republican strategist Josh Holmes and internet personality Comfortably Smug. Their mission was to infuse humor into conservative politics. The podcast notably launched shortly after the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which heightened its initial visibility.

Holmes recounted the motivation behind the podcast, stating, “We recognized a genuine gap in the conservative media sphere for individuals who appreciate politics yet desire an entertaining approach. People want to understand the reality of the situation without enduring ideological lectures.”

Diverse Content Mix Engages Audience

The podcast has since attracted a variety of listeners, including GOP lawmakers, congressional candidates, and presidential hopefuls. For example, hosts set up for the first GOP presidential debate in Milwaukee in August 2023, providing coverage akin to sports events. They even organized a unique fishing trip competition with future Vice President J.D. Vance in October 2024.

The array of topics addressed in ‘Ruthless’ includes current events and significant Republican issues, referred to jokingly as serving up the “vegetables” for their audience. However, the hosts balance this with lighter elements, covering quirky animal news and playful debates over hypothetical scenarios.

Signature segments include games like “Dem or Journo,” where hosts distinguish between posts by Democratic operatives and journalists, and “Veep or Veep,” which challenges them to identify quotes from Vice President Kamala Harris or fictional character Selina Meyer from HBO’s ‘Veep.’

One of the most intense segments is their weekly “King of the Hill,” in which two hosts compete to reveal the most outrageous take from a