Sean Hannity Talks Life Without Colmes
Fox News host preps 'Hannity' for January premiere, taking elements of radio show to TV.
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/12/2008 10:46:00 AM
When Alan Colmes announced in late November that he would be vacating his position as the liberal counterweight to conservative rabble-rouser Sean Hannity on FNC's Hannity & Colmes, many in the industry correctly speculated that Hannity would not get a permanent liberal co-host.
Because despite their long partnership - and Hannity's affection for Colmes (“I’m very sincere when I say I’m going to miss him,” says Hannity) - it was Hannity who arguably came to define the tone of the show.
Jon Stewart addressed Colmes’ departure on The Daily Show Thursday night (video below), recruiting washed-up 80s pop duo Darryl Hall and John Oates to offer a farewell ditty to the departing Colmes set to the tune of “She’s gone.” The lyrics included this verse: “Alan please don’t go. You’re the only non-douche bag on that show!”
Said Hannity: “I was actually thinking of Jon [Stewart] as a co-host but I needed someone who could be smart and funny without 50 writers and two has-been rockers who are badly in need of Botox.”
The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c Hall & Oates Pay Tribute to Alan Colmes
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But seriously, Hannity promises “a lot of surprises” for his retooled, Colmes-less program. Set to premiere Jan. 12, the show, simply titled Hannity, will be newsier but will continue to offer viewers a big, loud debate on the issues of the day.
“It’s going to be a program that is really really on the cutting edge of news, information, some of which I would argue that you can’t get elsewhere,” he says.
There will also be new elements, including an iteration of the Hate Hannity Hotline from his radio program, and faces we haven’t yet seen on Fox News Channel, he says.
The show will feature a rotating panel – called the Great American Panel – made up of a liberal, a conservative and an X Factor, i.e. someone from left field. Hannity declined to offer names of X Factor candidates, though liberal panelists Al Sharpton, Bob Beckel and Kirsten Powers aren’t going anywhere.
“The real goal is to get all different voices on the program,” says Hannity. “I have never ever shied away from putting on voices that I disagree with. It’s become a signature of who I am both on radio and TV.”
Colmes will make his last appearance as co-host on Jan. 9. He will remain at Fox News, where he’ll develop a weekend program. He’ll also continue to host his syndicated radio show.
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You can certainly tell that Hannity doesn't have 50 writers. He is about as witty as Richard Nixon.
Denise DeNephew - 3/5/2009 8:10:02 AM EST -
No, snapperhead. We don't ALWAYS hurl insults, but your case I'll make an exception. If your going to make a comment about someone having a lack of intelligence, have the intelligence to spell the word correctly.
Heywood Je'Blowme - 3/5/2009 8:03:28 AM EST -
When you libs learn to think logically you will be able to comment with some sense. All most of you do is hurl childish insults. Is that all the intelligiance you have?
Barry Sandinureyes - 2/21/2009 1:22:21 AM EST -
Mr. Hannity, It's not your difference of opinion that turns my stomach, but the hate underneath that motivates you. Sewing seeds of hate to the world. Your method is just more sutle. I love Fox, but I turn on CNN when you come on. I refuse to let that spirit be released on me. We can have difference of opinion and have the motivation to give people different sides to view, but you want to drive people. I feel sorry for you. You have to live with yourself.
Dianne Brazil - 1/29/2009 10:11:21 PM EST -
Sean gives the Irish a bad name (I am Irish American) and he is NOT a
GREAT AMERICAN. He is a PROPAGANDA IDIOT folks. Yes, the
conservative Michael Moore.
He is making millions because you listen to him. It is time to wake up
people. He is not doing a thing to help our country. He only hurts
Great Americans and our Great American Country.
Seriously, "What has he done to improve the United States of America?"
"Has he donated any money to a worth while cause?" "Or has he just
gotten rich by telling half-truths and out right lies?"
He is a sad human being, who only REALY cares about the money you
earn by be a celebrity!
John Hayes Corcoran - 12/16/2008 12:45:00 AM EST
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