Newsmax, the conservative cable news channel, has inked new deals with two of its core hosts.
The company, led by CEO Chris Ruddy, says that it has inked a new deal with 9 p.m. host Greg Kelly, and with 6 p.m. host Carl Higbie.
Kelly, a former Fox News correspondent and co-anchor of Good Day New York, joined Newsmax in 2020 to host Greg Kelly Reports. Higbie, a former Navy SEAL, was a frequent political commentator before joining Newsmax in 2023, where he hosts Frontline.
“Carl Higbie and Greg Kelly represent the very best of what Newsmax brings to the American public,” Ruddy said in a statement. “Carl’s background as a Navy SEAL gives him unmatched credibility and a powerful perspective on national security and leadership. His energy and authenticity have fueled double-digit ratings growth and made his show a cornerstone of our evening lineup.”
“Greg Kelly, with his experience as a White House correspondent and seasoned journalist, delivers depth, context, and professionalism to our 9 p.m. hour,” he added. “He goes beyond the headlines to provide clarity and accountability. Together, Carl and Greg strengthen our prime-time programming and exemplify our commitment to independent journalism.”
Newsmax has been seeking to expand its distribution and ratings in recent years as it seeks a larger piece of the TV news ecosystem, which has increasingly become the defining content on traditional pay-TV bundles. In the last year it inked new distribution dels with Fubo and YouTube TV. That said, the channel is still playing catchup to the legacy cable news channels, where Fox News remains the dominant player, followed by MS NOW and CNN.
