Sean Hannity, the longtime host of a primetime program on Fox News, is expanding his media presence with the launch of a new podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.” The twice-weekly display, announced by Fox News Media on Wednesday, will feature long-form interviews spanning culture, business, sports, and politics, marking a significant move for both Hannity and the network as they adapt to a changing media landscape. This expansion into podcasting reflects a broader trend within cable news, as networks seek to reach audiences increasingly drawn to on-demand audio content and streaming platforms.
The podcast format appeals to Hannity’s desire for more expansive conversations with guests. He explained that the lack of strict time constraints and commercial breaks will allow for deeper dives into subjects and more intimate storytelling. “You just retain going,” Hannity said, describing the freedom the podcast format offers. “I love the freedom that offers.” The new show will offer fresh content, with the possibility of segments appearing on his Fox News program, creating a synergy between the two platforms.
Fox News’ Growing Podcast Footprint
Hannity’s podcast is the latest addition to Fox News Media’s growing podcast division. The network already features podcasts hosted by on-air personalities like Will Cain and Tyrus, as well as podcasts from Fox News contributors, including the conservative group Ruthless and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines. This push into podcasting comes as Fox Corporation has made strategic investments in the space, including the 2025 acquisition of Red Seat Ventures, a company that supports independent podcasters, including former Fox News hosts Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly. Red Seat Ventures has further expanded its reach with the purchase of Supercast, a platform for podcast creators.
The move to podcasting isn’t unique to Fox News. Other major cable news networks are also investing in the format. MSNBC launched “The Best People” with Nicolle Wallace last year and recently added “Clock It,” hosted by Eugene Daniels and Symone Sanders Townsend. CNN’s Anderson Cooper has hosted “All There Is,” a podcast focused on grief and loss, since 2022. This widespread adoption of podcasting underscores the industry’s recognition of the medium’s growing popularity and its potential to reach audiences who are increasingly cutting the cord on traditional pay television.
From Fox Nation to Wider Audiences
Hannity’s interest in long-form interviews was initially sparked by his experience hosting a program on Fox Nation, the network’s subscription streaming service. He enjoyed conducting lengthy conversations with guests like Sylvester Stallone and Stephen A. Smith. He decided to transition the format to a podcast, aiming to reach a broader audience through platforms like YouTube and other podcast directories. “What I learned doing the show for Fox Nation is everybody has a story,” Hannity said. “And the beauty is, I don’t have to work hard to pull it out of them in a certain period of time.”
Hannity, who has been a fixture in Fox News’ primetime lineup since 1996, also continues to host a live daily radio program reaching 20 million listeners weekly across 750 stations. He acknowledged the shifting media landscape and expressed a desire to remain relevant. “I want to stay current,” he said. “And I want to stay relevant.”
A Promise of Diverse Viewpoints
While Hannity is known as a staunch advocate for former President Donald Trump on his Fox News show, he indicated that “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” will aim to present a range of perspectives. “I won’t mention names, but we have a couple of people on the left that have agreed to do the podcast,” he said, adding that some guests have appeared on his television program before, while others have not. He also emphasized his commitment to allowing guests to fully articulate their views, even if they differ from his own. “I’m not going to stop for an hour and a half until you give me my answer,” he stated. “And it doesn’t matter if we agree, disagree, but you gotta give an answer.”
The launch of “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Fox News Media has not yet announced the specific platforms where the podcast will be available beyond mentioning YouTube. The network will likely promote the podcast across its various channels, leveraging its existing audience to drive listenership. The podcast’s success will likely be measured by download numbers, listener engagement, and its ability to attract new audiences to the Fox News ecosystem.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the move by Sean Hannity and Fox News into podcasting represents a strategic effort to adapt to changing consumer habits and maintain a strong presence in the increasingly competitive world of news and entertainment. The podcast’s focus on long-form interviews and diverse viewpoints will be a key factor in determining its success and impact.
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