It should come as no surprise that former White House communications director Hope Hicks has landed on her feet. Hicks was one of Donald Trumps closest confidants, both during his presidential campaign and first two years of his administration. Hicks announced her plans to quit at the end of February, shortly after testifying to a congressional committee that she had occasionally lied on the presidents behalf. After a few months in the wilderness, shes secured herself a powerful new media job: executive vice president and chief communications officer for a stand-alone Fox—after Disney purchased most of the company—which has been dubbed “New Fox.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hicks will move from New York to Los Angeles for her new gig.
If youre pretty sure you just caught the whooshing sound of a revolving door, theres a reason for that. Hickss wire demonstrates the symbiotic relationship between the Trump White House and Fox. After Hickss departure, the White House named former Fox News co-president Bill Shine deputy chief of staff for communications and assistant to the president this past summer. And indeed, Fox News is one of the Fox assets that will not go to Disney in the sale—along with Fox Business Network, Fox Sports 1 and 2, and the Fox broadcast network. In other words: the presidents former right hand will have a role leading the message-crafting for the network that fervently stokes his base and ego—and from which his current comms chief hails. Shine left the company after being accused of complicity in several sexual harassment scandals at Fox News—which he denied before resigning from Fox last year.
Also headed to New Fox is Danny OBrien, who will serve as E.V.P. and head of government relations. In the companys announcement, Fox chief legal and policy officer, Viet Dinh, said, “Hope and Danny are proven leaders and world-class public-affairs professionals. Together they will define and project Foxs voice to our relevant communities.” Hicks did not provide a comment for the announcement.
Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Laura BradleyLaura Bradley is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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