The Daily News reports Sean Hannity is about to sign “a new multiyear, multimillion-dollar contract” with Fox News Channel. The deal is expected to keep Hannity at FNC through the next presidential election.
Hannity talked with the News’ Richard Huff, not about the new deal, but about his current job. “I’ll be honest, I’m just glad to be on the air having an opportunity to get my voice out there. When I started my career, I never got into it for fame, fortune or money. My first professional job was for $19,000 a year,” Hannity says. “I stayed in it because I really loved it.”
This summer, Hannity signed a radio deal that reportedly pays him $100 million over five years.
And in their first TV interview following last night’s debate, Hannity will interview Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin. The interview airs tonight on Hannity & Colmes at 9pmET.
And following up the first interview with Alaska’s first dude, Greta Van Susteren interviews Gov. Palin tonight as well, on On the Record at 10pmET.
> Update: Click continued to see the release…
Sean Hannity has re-signed a multi-year deal with FOX News Channel (FNC) to continue hosting both Hannity & Colmes and Hannity’s America, announced Bill Shine, Senior Vice President of Programming for FOX News Channel.
In making the announcement, Shine said, “As one of the most prominent conservative minds in the American political landscape, Sean consistently advances the news of the day with insightful and provocative commentary. We are delighted that he will remain a marquee name at FOX News for several years to come.”
Hannity added, “Having a front-row seat to one of the most pivotal times in our nation is a dream come true, and I look forward to my future at FOX News as history continues to unfold.”
Hannity joined FNC in September 1996 as co-host of Hannity & Colmes, which has been the number one program in its time slot for 58 consecutive months. The second highest-rated program in cable news only behind The O’Reilly Factor, Hannity & Colmes averaged nearly 3.5 million viewers nightly for the Nielsen month of September. Hannity’s America, which is presented on Sunday evenings, is also the most-watched program in its time slot on cable news.
In addition to his responsibilities at FNC, Hannity is also the host of ABC Radio Networks’, The Sean Hannity Show, syndicated to more than 500 stations and heard in all of the top 50 markets with a loyal listenership of 13.5 million. Currently ranked second overall in Talkers Magazine’s “Top 100 Talk Hosts in America,” Hannity has received two NAB Marconi Radio Award for Network Syndicated Personality of the Year and has been honored the Radio & Records National Talk Show Host of the Year Award for three consecutive years.
While at FNC, Hannity has interviewed many key political figures including President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Governor Sarah Palin, Vice President Dick Cheney and Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He is also the author of two New York Times bestsellers, Let Freedom Ring (Harper Collins, 2002) and Deliver Us from Evil (Harper Collins, 2004).
FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour general news service covering breaking news as well as political, entertainment and business news. For more than six years, FNC has been the most watched cable news channel in the nation. Owned by News Corp., FNC is available in more than 90 million homes.