Watch CBS News

All Glenn Beck, All The Time? Host May Ditch FOX News, Start Own Network

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — He's been given many different titles: populist hero, raving madman, and most recently, web mogul.

But as Glenn Beck prepares to step down from his nationally-syndicated show on FOX News, there's another title that he may soon look to claim: the next Oprah.

Beck's contract with cable's highest-rated news network may be coming to a close, but that hasn't kept the conservative radio host from raising eyebrows with his potential plans to expand his subscription video service online or even fueling speculation that he will take over his own cable channel.

Professor Robert Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Television and Popular Culture tells KFWB's Michael Shappee that Beck's controversial tirades against liberalism and his headline-grabbing predictions of an economic Armageddon will ensure his audience will follow him wherever he goes.

Podcast

A spokeswoman for FOX News reportedly confirm Beck's contract won't expire "until December", but declined any further comment.

Fans of the cantankerous radio personality have already followed him to a news and opinion Web site, theblaze.com, and sources say Beck could opt to expand his subscription-based web platform to include exclusive content.

Beck has recently focused his on-air attention on the turmoil spreading throughout the Middle East, warning his audience that a "perfect storm" of problems is descending upon the U.S. and the world.

"Here is the most dangerous thing I could say on the radio or on television," Beck said. "God is the only answer. There is no hope, there is no victory without a people that understand light, goodness and God."

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.