Former Congressman Matt Gaetz lands primetime show on OAN, defying past controversies and ethics investigations.
At a Glance
- Matt Gaetz to host “The Matt Gaetz Show” on OAN at 9 p.m. ET every weeknight
- Gaetz resigned from Congress and withdrew as Trump’s attorney general pick amid allegations
- OAN embraces Gaetz as a “champion of conservative values” despite network’s distribution challenges
- Gaetz to launch weekly podcast with Dan Ball in January
- Move comes after House Ethics Committee shelved investigation into Gaetz
Gaetz Takes Center Stage at OAN
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz is set to become the new face of One America News Network (OAN). The firebrand conservative will host “The Matt Gaetz Show” in primetime at 9 p.m. ET every weeknight, positioning himself as the network’s most prominent figure. This development comes on the heels of Gaetz’s resignation from Congress and his withdrawal from consideration as Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general.
OAN, known for its unwavering support of conservative causes, has faced its own challenges after being dropped by DirecTV in 2022. The network’s embrace of Gaetz signals a doubling down on its editorial stance, describing him as a “relentless champion of conservative values” who takes on “entrenched Washington bureaucrats.”
Matt Gaetz: ‘Withdrawing My Name’ From Attorney General Nomination https://t.co/NPoDYUmdfl #OAN
— One America News (@OANN) November 21, 2024
Controversy Follows Gaetz to New Role
Gaetz’s transition to media comes amid a cloud of controversy. The former congressman faced a House Ethics Committee investigation and allegations of sexual misconduct, including claims of paying women for sex and having relations with a minor. These accusations, which Gaetz vehemently denies, led to a three-year Department of Justice investigation that ultimately resulted in no charges due to credibility concerns with witnesses.
Despite these allegations, OAN has thrown its full support behind Gaetz, touting his addition to their team as “dynamic and timely.” This move raises questions about the network’s commitment to journalistic integrity versus its pursuit of a controversial yet captivating on-air personality.
Expanding Conservative Media Reach
Gaetz’s media venture extends beyond television. He’s set to launch a weekly podcast with Dan Ball in January, further expanding his reach into digital media. This multi-platform approach aligns with OAN’s strategy to embrace “not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going—streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media,” according to Gaetz himself.
“OAN is blazing a trail in media, embracing not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going—streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media,” Gaetz said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join OAN’s forward-thinking team and be part of this revolutionary expansion.”
The former congressman’s optimism about his new role is palpable, as he claims, “I’ve got the sources, I’ve got the insights, and there is such a spirit of optimism to unlock the opportunity of America.” However, critics argue that OAN’s history of promoting what some call conspiracy theories, including false claims about the 2020 election and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, may undermine Gaetz’s credibility in his new position.
