Fox News has announced a significant expansion into new media with a licensing agreement for the podcast “Ruthless,” which will join the network’s growing slate of audio programs such as “Will Cain Country.”
The move is part of Fox News Media’s broader strategy to expand its reach across digital and podcast platforms as audiences continue shifting away from traditional media consumption.
The announcement was made by Suzanne Scott, the CEO of Fox News Media, who also revealed that Porter Berry will assume additional responsibilities overseeing the network’s new media initiatives. Berry, who currently serves as president and editor-in-chief of Fox News Digital, will report to Scott and Fox News President and Executive Editor Jay Wallace while retaining his current digital duties.
“The Fox News Media ecosystem we have built over the past seven years continues to thrive and set new records, and the Ruthless deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content,” Scott said. “We have cultivated an unrivaled bench of successful personalities who are well-positioned to excel in today’s evolving media landscape, where podcasting offers the kind of deep engagement our platforms are known for. Porter is a talented executive whose leadership will enhance these new media ventures and creators, while further strengthening Fox News Digital.”
Berry added, “I am honored to step into the New Media role and advance Suzanne’s bold vision across digital, social, and podcasting. As the creator economy continues to evolve — a spirit that Ruthless has championed from the start — we are expanding our reach to meet audiences wherever they engage with Fox News Media content, which remains in a league of its own.”
Launched in tandem with the 2020 presidential election, Ruthless has become a well-known political podcast, offering conservative commentary with humor and irreverence. It is co-hosted by Cavalry founding partners Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, along with Shashank Tripathi, known online as “Comfortably Smug.”
“We are thrilled to take Ruthless to the next level through this strategic partnership,” the hosts said in a joint statement. “There is a growing appetite for authentic political and cultural conversations, and our podcast delivers with no-holds-barred, irreverent takes that deeply resonate with our dedicated audience.”
According to recent polling from National Research Inc., Ruthless is a top news source among men aged 18 to 45 for political and government information. Under the licensing agreement, all four hosts will become Fox News contributors.
In his new role overseeing New Media and Ruthless, Berry will be responsible for editorial strategy across Fox News Media’s digital, social, and opinion podcast platforms. He will continue to oversee digital news coverage, original content, and innovation, while leading cross-functional teams in editorial, video, and social media. Berry will also drive strategy around AI-powered editorial tools and digital engagement.
John Sylvester, the Senior Vice President of Fox News Audio, will continue to manage production and operations for news-based podcasts including the Fox News Rundown. He will also oversee Fox News Radio and SiriusXM’s Fox News Headlines, which recently marked its 20th anniversary.
Fox News Media is part of Fox Corporation.
