MSNBC Host Trashes CNN as Both Networks Vie for Shep Smith While Bill Hemmer Takes Over His Old Slot

Shepard ‘Shep’ Smith left Fox News in October of last year after a feud with another Fox Host, Tucker Carlson, among other reasons. This came as a surprise to many, as Shep had recently signed a new contract with Fox News. Shep has stayed out of the spotlight and hasn’t been heard from much since his departure.

Jeff Zucker, the president of CNN is quoted as saying “When he’s available, he is somebody who is very talented, and I would be very open to talking to him,” in a Hollywood reporter article, shortly after Shep’s last day with Fox News. As of this Monday, it was reported by the Daily Beast that MSNBC is also looking to hire Shep. The rumor is if Shep were to come on to MSNBC that they would be moving Chuck Todd’s low rated 5 PM show to a 9 AM morning slot in order to have Shep host a prime time show.

A Breitbart Tweet says “He would fit right in” at MSNBC.

He would fit right in. https://t.co/WZkmtlfwbT

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 14, 2020

When Shep left Fox News stated, “Under our agreement (between Fox news and Shep) I won’t be reporting elsewhere, at least in the near future.” Shep did not elaborate on how long he would be under the noncompete clause of his contract with Fox News. However, it seems that MSNBC would like to have him in their line up in time for the presidential debates. The Hill says “all the major networks are adding staff and resources for the 2020 presidential race.”

Wayne Dupree Tweets “Look who might get picked up, our ole buddy, Shep!”

Look who might get picked up, our ole buddy, Shep!https://t.co/zFojpFoMtJ

— Wayne Dupree ?? (@WayneDupreeShow) January 14, 2020

Earlier this week, giving credence to a possible bidding war for the former Fox Host, MSNBC host Lawerence O’Donnell was on Al Franken’s podcast. During the podcast, O’Donnell says that CNN is too fair to Trump. O’Donnell said “No, they don’t. One-third of the people on their payroll love Trump,” O’Donnell said. “So you’re guaranteed on any hour of CNN to, minimum one-third of the programming will be supportive of Trump. Someone on their payroll saying, ‘Here’s why Trump’s right.’” O’Donnell doesn’t seem to think that CNN is hard enough on Trump, clearly, but this could be part of a broader effort to lure in Smith.

It seems that Shep will have his pick of where he wants to work when his Non-compete agreement is up. Will we see Shep before the Presidental debates? Bill Hemmer meanwhile, takes over Shep Smith’s old Fox News Slot this Monday. Cincinnati Public Radio reported via wvxu.org:

It’s a long way from Cincinnati TV sports to Fox News Channel’s New York headquarters, where Bill Hemmer takes another career step by hosting his own Fox News show starting Monday, Jan. 20.

Hemmer, an Elder High School (1983) and Miami University (1987) alum, debuts Bill Hemmer Reports at 3 p.m. weekdays, taking over the hour that Shepard Smith vacated when he left Fox in October.