Jesse Watters' Primetime Promotion by Fox News Leaves Conservatives Delighted

Fox News has promoted controversial host Jesse Watters to a nightly primetime show, signaling the network's further shift to the right and pleasing many conservatives in the process.

Watters, 43, has been officially named the permanent host of the 7 p.m. ET timeslot on Fox News Channel with a new hour-long program titled Jesse Watters Primetime, the network has confirmed.

A fan favorite on the network, Watters also co-hosts the channel's popular round-table talk show The Five, and will continue to do so.

"Jesse's versatility and hosting acumen has grown exponentially over the last five years, and he has developed a deep connection to the audience," said Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media. "We look forward to watching him expand his connection even further through this new solo weeknight hour."

Watters' promotion comes after a controversy in December when he faced calls to resign after he said that young people should "ambush" Dr. Anthony Fauci in a hostile interview.

"Now you go in for the kill shot. The kill shot? With an ambush? Deadly. Because he doesn't see it coming," Watters told students at the time.

Jesse Watters
Jesse Watters host of "The Five" interviews Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush during "The Five" at Fox News Studios on November 13, 2017 in New York City. John Lamparski/Getty Images

Despite complaints from Fauci, Fox News defended Watters and said his comments were taken out of context.

With his primetime promotion, Watters said he is "thrilled to take on this new challenge and am grateful for the opportunity."

The move is also being celebrated by many noted conservatives on social media.

"Congratulations to my friend and colleague @JesseWatters on being named permanent host of the 7 o'clock hour on the Fox News Channel," said Fox News contributor Geraldo Rivera.

"Jesse is one of the great talents of his generation and he is going to kick some serious butt."

Kayleigh McEnany, former White House Press Secretary under the Trump administration also shared her congratulations with Watter on Twitter, writing: "Congratulations to @JesseBWatters! He will do a fantastic job in the 7pm hour on @FoxNews & I will be sure to tune in. Exciting news!!"

Meanwhile, Fox News political anchor Brett Baier added: "Congrats @JesseBWatters -look forward to passing the baton to you at 6:59:59pm."

"Congratulations @JesseBWatters fantastic news @FoxNews I will be tuning in," said Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business.

Alt-right activist Jack Posobiec also congratulated Watters on his promotion.

While commentator Clay Travis added: "Congrats to @JesseBWatters on his new show."

Republican Rep. Laurane Boebert tweeted: "Well deserved, @JesseBWatters! Look forward to joining you soon!"

Jesse Watters Primetime will debut on January 24.

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