The New York Times’ Michael Grynbaum caught up with several Fox Newsers in Las Vegas this week as the network goes all in for tonight’s final debate, which is moderated by one of their own, Chris Wallace. Bret Baier, Brit Hume and evp of news Jay Wallace are all interviewed.
“There is competition between the shows. If all the shows were the same, why would anyone tune in?” said Jay Wallace of the recent Megyn Kelly–Sean Hannity dust up.
“My bosses have only given me nothing but support and appreciation for the high ratings I get,” Hannity told the Times. “As far as my colleagues? I don’t mean this to be disrespectful, but I don’t care what they think. They’ve got their role, and I’ve got mine.”
Mr. Hannity was in a feisty mood, referring to this bearded reporter as a “hippie” and suggesting that he would not get a fair shake from The New York Times. He said that he had great admiration for Fox’s reporters, even if opinion shows like his own helped set his network apart.
Soon, Mr. Hannity had taken his perch for that evening’s broadcast, a light Las Vegas wind rustling his suit. He spotted this reporter and gave a shout.
“This is the spice!” he said, laughing, referring to his show. “We’re getting back to the spicy part of the network, the one that pays the bills.”
He added, “No one wants to talk about that part.”