Foxtel are set to be the big winner after controversial and much in demand British broadcaster Piers Morgan cut a deal with Rupert Morgan for a new TV show that will be seen on Sky News and major networks in the US and the UK.
The 56-year-old Piers Morgan will also write for the Daily Telegraph, the New York Post and the Sun in the UK as a columnist as part of the global deal.
He started his career with Rupert Murdoch 30 years ago.
Morgan has gone from walking off the set of a UK morning TV show in outrage at what he called Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “bullshit” into a global television deal that will see him star on Australian television and major networks in the US and the UK.
The global chief executive of News Corp, Robert Thomson, said Morgan believed “passionately in the contest of ideas”. Morgan advocates for “the principle of freedom of speech, and he delivers his perspective with a pithy puckishness that is compelling for a broad and growing audience. He carbonates debate with wit, whimsy and wisdom”, Mr Thomson said.
He will also present a series of true crime documentaries and has signed a book deal with HarperCollins UK after the success of his best seller “Wake Up.”
“I’m thrilled to be returning to News Corp. which is where I began my media career more than 30 years ago,” Morgan said. “Rupert Murdoch has been a constant and fearless champion of free speech and we are going to be building something new and very exciting together.
“I want my global show to be a fearless forum for lively debate and agenda-setting interviews, and a place that celebrates the right of everyone to have an opinion, and for those opinions to be vigorously examined and challenged.
Many believe the deal will lift demand for a new News App Foxtel is set to launch shortly.
“I’m going home and we’re going to have some fun.”
Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp, said: “Piers is the broadcaster every channel wants but is too afraid to hire. Piers is a brilliant presenter, a talented journalist and says what people are thinking and feeling.
Morgan’s show will be produced and filmed at News UK’s London Bridge studios with interviews done live in Australia.
Piers Morgan with Rupert Murdoch
The company announced earlier today that it will launch talk TV in early 2022.
Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of News UK, said: “Piers will be the most brilliant primetime draw for our new talkTV service and a fantastic columnist for the Sun.
Suzanne Scott, CEO of FOX News added: “Piers is an exceptional talent.
“We look forward to him making an impact and exploring opportunities with him on all of our platform” she said.
Morgan is “the broadcaster every channel wants but is too afraid to hire”, News Corp executive chairman Rupert Murdoch said after striking the deal.
“I can’t wait for my new show to start airing on Sky News Australia, putting the woke world to rights!” said Morgan.
Sky News Australia chief executive Paul Whittaker welcomed “one of the strongest and most important voices in the media” to the network’s schedule.
“Piers is fearless. Piers doesn’t back down, whether taking on a president, prime minister or even members of the royal family,” he said.
“He is a traditionalist imbued with common-sense, intelligence and a knack for getting to the heart of a thorny issue. We are delighted he will be joining the Sky News Australia line-up from early next year.’’
