Former Twitter Employee Challenges Tucker Carlson's Plan to Revive Show on Platform
A former Twitter employee has expressed skepticism about Tucker Carlson's decision to resurrect his show on the social media platform. The ex-Fox News host recently announced his intention to relaunch his show on Twitter, though Elon Musk has denied any formal agreement with Carlson.
The idea that Carlson could establish a significant video presence on Twitter was deemed "stupid" by the ex-employee, who had previously worked on Twitter's show AM2DM. Speaking to Semafor, the individual highlighted the issue of balancing the typical Twitter experience of scrolling through content with dedicating time to watch a show as one would on television.
The former employee argued, "It's doomscrolling versus doomstaying."
Carlson took to Twitter on Wednesday, posting a video announcing his return to hosting. "Starting soon, we'll be bringing a new version of the show we've been doing for the last six and a half years to Twitter," he said. Although he mentioned his team would introduce other content to the platform, he provided no additional details.
A source close to the former Fox News host informed Semafor that several ex-staff members from Carlson's canceled show planned to join him in his Twitter endeavor, including executive producer Justin Wells.
In response to Carlson's announcement, Musk clarified that "we have not signed a deal of any kind whatsoever." He added that the former Fox News host would be "subject to the same rules & rewards of all content creators."
Musk also noted that any "misleading" content would be subject to Community Notes, which allow Twitter users to collaboratively provide context to potentially misleading tweets.
Carlson's associates recently spoke to Axios about his future plans, which include building his own media empire and potentially breaking free from his Fox contract. Although bound to Fox until January 2025, a friend of Carlson told Axios that his team was "preparing for war."
Since his dismissal from Fox News, Carlson has received several job offers. Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov has extended an invitation for Carlson to join his show, while businessman and political activist Mike Lindell offered Carlson and Don Lemon positions at Lindell TV. Additionally, OAN CEO Robert Herring has invited Carlson to discuss joining the OAN team.
In a recent development, Axios reports that Carlson's lawyers have accused Fox News of fraud and breach of contract, arguing that the noncompete clause in Carlson's contract is now invalid due to Fox breaching it first. The letter also demands that Fox preserve all existing documents and data relevant to the dispute.