NEW YORK — In a notable move following his brief bid to become Donald Trump’s attorney general, Matt Gaetz is set to join One America News Network (OANN) as the host of a weeknight political talk show. The network announced on Tuesday that Gaetz’s new program, which will be a one-hour broadcast, is scheduled to premiere in January at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Additionally, he will collaborate with OANN’s Dan Ball on a weekly video podcast.
Formerly a congressman from Florida, Gaetz was initially nominated for the role of Trump’s attorney general. However, he withdrew his name as scrutiny over allegations of sex trafficking and other misconduct arose, which jeopardized his potential Senate confirmation. Despite these setbacks, Gaetz’s alignment with conservative media allows him to thrive in an environment often less favorable to figures criticized by more traditional media outlets. This hiring marks a significant development for OANN as it grapples with its more limited television reach in comparison to dominant players like Fox News Channel and Newsmax.
The selected time slot is seen as prime real estate in the competitive landscape of cable news, reflecting OANN’s aspirations for the new show, according to network president Charles Herring. He expressed confidence in Gaetz’s ability to deliver valuable insights and commentary on the administration and its policies.
Moreover, Herring noted that the podcast format is part of OANN’s strategy to diversify its approach by utilizing streaming platforms, podcasts, and social media to enhance its audience engagement. After Gaetz’s withdrawal from the attorney general position, Pam Bondi, the former attorney general of Florida, was nominated in his stead. It’s important to mention that Gaetz has faced investigations by the U.S. Justice Department and the House Ethics Committee concerning allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors, which he continues to categorically deny.
