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From Fox News to Russia Today? Tucker Carlson's latest media offer

El presentador Tucker Carlson sale de Fox News tras el escándalo por la cobertura informativa de las elecciones de 2020
El presentador Tucker Carlson sale de Fox News tras el escándalo por la cobertura informativa de las elecciones de 2020 | Shutterstock

April 25, 2023 12:24am

Updated: April 25, 2023 12:24am

Tucker Carlson, a prominent conservative voice in cable news, has been a host on Fox News for several years. On Monday, the network announced that they would be parting ways with him, with his last show airing on Friday. In a statement, Fox News Media and Carlson said that they had agreed to part ways, and thanked him for his service to the network.

Throughout his time as a host on Fox News, Carlson has been a controversial figure, drawing criticism from the left for his conservative views on various issues, including the 2020 presidential election and the Russia-Ukraine war. He has been vocal in his criticisms of Ukraine and its president Volodymyr Zelensky, which has earned him praise from Russia.

Despite the controversy surrounding Carlson's views, he has remained one of the most-watched cable news hosts, receiving support from conservatives. His departure from Fox News prompted strong reactions from both his supporters and critics on social media.

One of the most notable reactions came from the Kremlin-affiliated news outlet Russia Today (RT), which offered Carlson a job after his departure from Fox News.

The offer from RT to Carlson was met with skepticism by many, given the outlet's ties to the Russian government and its history of spreading propaganda. Carlson has not yet commented on whether he plans to accept the offer or not.

Previously, Russian state TV, which largely supports Russian President Vladimir Putin's positions, has used excerpts from Carlson's Fox News show. Since Putin initiated the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the Kremlin has intensified its suppression of opposition and any criticisms of the war.

Julia Davis, a journalist who frequently covers news related to Russian state television, responded to the offer, saying it was "almost too predictable." Sophie Fullerton, a political scientist, tweeted that "@TuckerCarlson regularly gave a platform to disinformation agents and those who deny genocide on issues related to Syria and Ukraine. It's no surprise that an outlet like Russia Today would try to court him."

A spokesperson for Russia Today, responding to the situation, stated to Newsweek, "We have already had the pleasure of working with greats like Julian Assange and the late Larry King. We extended an invitation to President Trump in 2020, and we continue to welcome diverse, outspoken personalities on our network."

In addition, Vladimir Solovyov, who hosts "Evening With Vladimir Solovyov" on Russia-1, also offered a role to Carlson. In a Telegram post, Solovyov said, "Tucker, come join us. You don't have to be afraid of mocking Biden here."