Fox's Tangled 2012 Web: Gingrich Promotes Videos Of His Paid Fox Appearances

Written by Eric Hananoki

Published

Fox News may have terminated its contributor contract with Newt Gingrich because of his presidential plans, but the network still has a presence in his pitch to voters. Gingrich's campaign website features numerous videos of Gingrich while he was employed at Fox News. The videos are posted for prospective voters on each of Gingrich's “solutions” pages.

For instance:

  • On his economy page, Gingrich features videos of himself from the January 18, 2011, edition of Hannity, and the December 5, 2010, edition of Fox News Sunday.
  • On his national security page, Gingrich features video of himself from the May 3, 2007, edition of Hannity & Colmes.
  • On his energy page, Gingrich features video of himself from the January 18, 2011, edition of Hannity.
  • On his healthcare page, Gingrich features video of himself from the November 4, 2010, edition of On The Record.
  • On his “protecting life and religious liberty” page, Gingrich features video of himself from the April 7, 2009, edition of On The Record.

All of Gingrich's videos were uploaded to his “ngingrich” YouTube account prior to his run for president, and before his Fox News contract was terminated. Gingrich's YouTube account is now branded as a part of his presidential campaign as it carries a “Newt 2012” header and is linked to on Newt's campaign website. Gingrich's issues pages also include videos of Gingrich on CSPAN and giving speeches.

Fox News suspended the contracts of Gingrich and Rick Santorum on March 2. The network officially terminated their contracts in early May. Fox News has refused to suspend the contract of Fox News contributor Sarah Palin, despite her bus tour of key primary states. Contributor John Bolton has said he will decide by Labor Day whether he'll run.

It's certainly not out of the ordinary for a campaign website to post appearance videos. But Fox News is in the unprecedented position of having provided a paycheck and platform for a slate of prospective candidates/employees while they've explored runs. And even when they leave their Fox employment, they can point back to their paid appearances as part of their resume to voters. Just another example of Fox News' tangled web in the 2012 presidential election.