Newt Gingrich has answered the question of where he will draw a salary now that he no longer receives his pay from the government. Fox News announced recently that it has hired Gingrich in an exclusive deal to provide political commentary.
The terms were not announced. John Moody, the vice president for news for Fox's all-news cable network, said, "He's a man of some reputation, and he will be compensated well."Gingrich said through a spokesman: "I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to present my views. I look forward to the challenge. This should be great fun."
Gingrich resigned as speaker of the House in January after drawing criticism from members of his own party for the the poor Republican showing in last fall's elections.
With a presidential election year soon to begin, several networks had pursued Gingrich to provide political commentary, Moody said.
Gingrich has a long personal relationship with Fox News President Roger Ailes, one executive close to Gingrich noted. As speaker of the House, Gingrich was criticized for a deal with the publishing house HarperCollins to write a book based on his political views. Both HarperCollins and the Fox News Network are owned by News Corp., which is owned by Rupert Murdoch.
The appointment is effective immediately, Moody said. He said Gingrich would not make regularly scheduled appearances on Fox News shows but would be called upon to comment on specific political events.
Moody said that Gingrich would also serve as host of occasional programs on topics that interest him. "These will not necessarily be about politics," Moody said.
Fox announced earlier this week that former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro was joining the network as a regular political commentator, and Moody said there might be occasions when Fox would ask Gingrich and Ferraro to comment on the same events.
Fox News also calls upon Dick Morris, former political consultant to President Clinton and former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, for political commentary.