On Thursday, the news media were focusing on the big failure of CNN+… but another story was breaking at the same time.
Fox News host Sean Hannity became the longest-running host on primetime cable in television history, according to a statement from Fox.
Hannity reportedly smashed the old record held by the late Larry King. He began co-hosting Hannity & Colmes on Oct. 7, 1996: the very day Fox News Channel’s launch.
He became a solo host in 2009 after the departure of liberal co-host Alan Colmes, now tragically deceased.
As of Monday, Hannity has hosted a regular, primetime program on cable news for 25 years, six months and 16 days. By comparison King hosted his CNN show for 25 years, six months, and 16 days from June 1985 to December 2010.
“Sean’s authenticity and insightful commentary have created one of the most enduring connections with our audience and it’s been an honor to watch him over the years,” FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said in a press release. “A Fox News original, he has helped innovate the industry, and we are incredibly proud of his extraordinary success.”
“As cable news’ most enduring personality, Hannity has been a staple of FNC’s primetime lineup since the launch of the network in 1996, where his candid style and passionate commentary have made him one of the most prominent and influential voices in the country,” Fox News said in a statement.
Hannity has hosted a wide array of high profile guests, especially former President Donald Trump. The cable host made headlines just last month for discussing the Russo-Ukraine War with Hollywood filmmaker Sean Penn.
He has consistently drawn high ratings for Fox News. In 2002, Hannity & Colmes became the top-rated program in its timeslot, the statement said.
Hannity remained cable’s top-rated program on Nielsen from 2017 to 2020, amid reports of the host’s personal relationship with the U.S. president. Last year, Hannity ceded that honor to The Five and Tucker Carlson Tonight, although he still pulled 2.87 million total viewers that year according to Nielsen data reviewed by Adweek.
Between television and radio, Hannity often spends four hours of the day addressing a live audience.
“I am extremely grateful to FOX News Media and to our loyal, dedicated viewers whom I am proud to serve every night,” Hannity said in Fox News Channel’s press release.
Read more: Sean Hannity just stunned his fans with this conversation
The Horn editorial team