Fox News will install Lawrence Jones and Brian Kilmeade in new solo hours on Saturday nights, filling two holes vacated when the Fox Corp.-backed network moved Jesse Watters and Jeanine Pirro to new weekday duties.
As part of the overhaul, Dan Bongino’s show will move to 9 p.m. from 10 p.m. eastern, anchoring between Kilmeade at 9 p.m,. and Jones at 10, creating a three-hour opinion block that starts in early evening. The new lineup will kick off January 29.
The moves elevate an up-and-coming presence at Fox News as well as one of its veterans. Jones, a former activist for conservative and libertarian causes, joined Fox News in 2018, often leading “people in the street” segments during Sean Hannity’s primetime show. He was later given duties on “Fox & Friends,” where he has filled in for the trio of regular hosts, which include Kilmeade. Jones also did time as part of a rotating array of personalities at 7 p.m. in the weekday lineup, recently filled by Watters. At 29 years old, he becomes one of the youngest people of color to host a cable-news program.
Kilmeade, meanwhile, joined Fox News one year after its launch as a sports reporter, joining “Fox & Friends” in 1998. He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio program under Fox News’ auspices. He is also the author of multiple books.
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“Lawrence has been an impact player since joining the network in 2018 and we are thrilled to add his critical insights to our weekend lineup. Whether reporting from the border or diners across America to hosting primetime specials, his perspective has added depth to our programming while resonating with the audience,” said Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott, in a statement. “As one of our homegrown stars, Brian has been a wildly popular mainstay for millions of Americans across multiple platforms — from our number one rated morning franchise ‘Fox & Friends’ to his hit shows on Fox News Audio and Fox Nation. We’re thrilled to add him to weekends to further expand his unique connection with our viewers.”
