Twenty years ago, a recent graduate, Jesse Watters, joined Fox News as a production assistant. He worked his way into on-camera appearances as Bill O’Reilly’s sidekick, before expanding his ambush-style man-on-the-street interviews into a weekend show and a role as co-host of the talk show ‘ The Five.”
Now Mr. Watters, 43, is poised to step into the higher ranks of Fox News stardom, and all the influence that gives: Beginning January 24, he will have his own 7 p.m. program, “Jesse Watters Primetime,” which will serving as the lead-up to Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham, the highest-rated evening block on cable news.
The Rise of Mr. Watters — a conservative culture fighter who enjoys bashing all things liberal — comes to grips with his on-air antics despite countless controversies. In a 2016 segment, he acted on rude and abusive Asian-American stereotypes, leading to an outcry at the Fox News offices and reprimands from elected officials. (“I’m sorry if anyone is offended,” Mr. Watters replied in a tweet.)
Last month, in particular, he used violent language to urge a gathering of conservatives to kill Dr. Anthony S. Fauci with tricky questions that he considered “the deadly shot”. dr. Fauci, who was threatened with harm by right-wing activists, called for Mr Watters to resign; Fox News defended its host, saying his comments were metaphorical and “completely twisted out of context”.
Monday’s decision to appoint Mr. To anoint Watters as Fox News host at 7 p.m. is as emphatic a statement of support as the network’s president, Suzanne Scott, and his company overseer, Rupert Murdoch, could make.
“Jesse’s versatility and understanding of hosting has grown exponentially over the past five years,” Ms Scott said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing him expand his connection even further during this new solo weeknight hour.” mr. Watters will also continue to co-host “The Five,” the 5 p.m. show that recently rivaled “Tucker Carlson Tonight” for top ratings.
The 7 p.m. slot at Fox News has been in flux for about a year, since the network replaced a newscast anchored by Martha MacCallum with an hour devoted to conservative opinion. A range of hosts – including Trey Gowdy, the former Congresswoman; Mark Steyn, a right-wing pundit; and Fox News personalities like Maria Bartiromo and Brian Kilmeade — taking turns anchoring the show in what was widely considered an audition.
In the end, Ms. Scott chose a homegrown talent whose pro-Trump views fit neatly into the rest of Fox News’ evening show. Mr. Watters developed a rapport with former President Donald J. Trump, interviewing him several times and dining with him at the White House.
Mr. Watters, who grew up in Pennsylvania and on Long Island, is registered to vote as a member of the Conservative Party of New York. One of his popular segments with viewers is called “Mom Texts,” in which he reads abusive messages from his mother, who is a Liberal.
