前白宫新闻秘书 Karoline Leavitt 加入 Fox News，Fox Nation 将播全 AI 生成图像的 Houdini 系列

Top of the Ticker: The Fox News-to-White House pipeline has changed direction. The network announced Monday that former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining as a contributor.

Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott announced the move. Leavitt will begin her role on Sunday, November 1, providing political analysis and commentary across all platforms.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media,” said Leavitt. 

Her tenure as the White House Press Secretary ran from January 2025 to August 2026, making her the 36th person to hold the role and the only one so far during President Donald Trump’s second term.

Meanwhile, Fox News Media’s streaming service, Fox Nation, is gearing up for Halloween by premiering a three-part series about the magician Harry Houdini. Dropping on Wednesday, October 14, Houdini: Back from the Dead marks new ground-breaking territory for the streaming platform, as it’s the first full-length project to use entirely AI-generated imagery to bring Houdini to life, with the 100th anniversary of his passing approaching.

“We’re proud to showcase a new form of historical storytelling that allows viewers to experience Houdini’s remarkable life in his own words, while remaining rooted in extensive research and historical accuracy,” said Lauren Petterson, president of Fox Nation.

Programming plans: Before CBS News’ official election night broadcast on Tuesday, November 3, the news outlet is launching a new digital show focusing on election data. The Nerd Show, hosted by CBS News executive director of elections and surveys Anthony Salvanto alongside congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns, will begin at 5 p.m. ET streaming on YouTube, X, and CBS News’ owned and operated digital channels, including its streaming network, CBS News 24/7.

If you can’t beat them: ABC News is the latest news organization to introduce vertical video as part of its app offerings. Verts, as the format is known across the Disney universe, will feature an interactive feed of fast, factual news sourced from ABC News’ linear, streaming, and ABC Owned television programming, along with original content from ABC News anchors, correspondents, analysts, and featured voices. 

Budding author: MS NOW anchor and senior business analyst Stephanie Ruhle will debut her latest book, The New Rules: Work, Life, Money and the Power of Minding Your Own Business, on March 2, 2027. Published by Avid Reader Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Ruhle’s book offers powerful, candid, counterintuitive lessons on work, life, money, and relationships.

Milestones: Two major cable news programs recently marked their 15th anniversary. CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront and CNBC’s Halftime Report toasted their birthdays with special appearances. Burnett was surprised on set by her day-one guests, including John Avlon, Kevin Madden, and Bill Burton. Meanwhile, Halftime Report’s host Scott Wapner was joined by some of the show’s longest-serving committee members, including Josh Brown, Stephanie Link, Joe Terranova, and Steven Weiss, with others appearing throughout the program.

Revenue initiative: After seeing a reduction in federal funding, PBS News is joining the subscription bandwagon to generate additional revenue by launching Press Pass. The outlet says subscribers who contribute $8 per month or $96 per year to the program will “receive a new political newsletter, Inside the White House with Liz Landers, as well as interruption-free podcasts and select virtual events.” 

Revolving Door: BBC News has found its new leader. Rachel Jupp was named director BBC News and Current Affairs. Jupp, currently director, BBC News documentaries and long-form journalism, was one of four finalists vying for this top position. She begins her new role in November.

“Rachel is an outstanding editorial leader, widely regarded for her news judgment, fairness, and high standards,” said Matt Brittin, BBC director-general. “She brings a clarity of vision for the future, and the determined, collaborative approach needed to strengthen BBC News.”

Rob Schmitt has received a new multi-year deal from Newsmax. The host of the weeknight 7 p.m. ET show Rob Schmitt Tonight leads one of the network’s top-rated programs and, according to Gary Kanofsky, vp of news and programming, is responsible for growing Newsmax’s audience during that hour.