Upstart conservative cable news/propaganda network Newsmax is planning on expanding its broadcast lineup as it challenges stalwart Fox News for the eyes of the Trump-loving audience.
In a story about viewers defecting from Fox News, the Washington Post learned that Newsmax plans to develop an original show for the 9 p.m. timeslot, as well as expand its morning show by an hour. The prime time show will be women-centric, similar to The View.
Newsmax, which has seen viewership rise by more than 400% since the election, is benefiting from endorsement by lame duck president Donald Trump and other conspiracy-based conservative activists who feel spurned by Fox News for calling the election for President-elect Joe Biden.
“The night of the election completely did it. I haven’t turned on Fox News since,” said Jami Salamida, 43, a paralegal who lives in West Virginia, the Post reports. She watched Fox for two decades and now said she watches between eight and 10 hours of Newsmax each day.
Newsmax recognizes that its program falls far short of the glitz and graphics of its rival. And they’ll have to overcome the familiarity former Fox viewers had with the Fox News hosts.
“It’s boring, a little bit, but I’m dedicated,” said South Carolinian Michelle Walker, 52. “I’ll keep watching it until it gets better.”
“It’s sad, because it’s like losing a friend,” said Jennie Spohn, 55, of Michigan. “We loved Fox News. We stood up for Fox News. We stood by their side. …I don’t think there will ever be a love affair like we had with Fox News for years.”