On August 15, 2025, Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott announced a seismic shake-up at the network, unveiling new roles for two of its most prominent personalities: Rachel Campos-Duffy and Lawrence Jones. Campos-Duffy, already a fan favorite as co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend and host of Fox Noticias, has been elevated to a primetime slot, anchoring a new show, American Pulse with Rachel Campos-Duffy, airing weeknights at 7 PM/ET. Meanwhile, Lawrence Jones, the youngest Black co-host in cable news history, has been promoted to co-anchor of Fox & Friends weekday mornings alongside Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade, solidifying his status as a rising star. These moves, described by Scott as a “bold step forward,” have sent shockwaves through the media landscape, sparking excitement among fans and speculation about the network’s future direction. This article, spanning 2200–2300 words, dives into the significance of these promotions, the reactions they’ve ignited, and how they reflect Fox News’s evolving strategy under Scott’s leadership.
The Big Announcement: A New Era for Fox News
The announcement came during a press conference streamed on Fox News Digital, with Scott outlining the network’s vision for 2025 and beyond. “Rachel Campos-Duffy and Lawrence Jones have proven themselves as trusted voices who connect with our audience,” Scott said. “Their promotions reflect our commitment to delivering relatable, impactful content that resonates with Americans.” Campos-Duffy’s new show, American Pulse, will focus on “kitchen table issues” like the economy, family, and cultural trends, with a particular emphasis on the Hispanic community. Jones’s elevation to weekday Fox & Friends co-anchor, effective September 1, 2025, marks a historic moment, as he becomes a permanent fixture on the network’s flagship morning program.
The promotions follow a year of strong ratings for Fox News, which finished January 2025 as the top news brand on YouTube with 410 million video views, according to Emplifi. Fox & Friends Weekend, where both Campos-Duffy and Jones have been key players, consistently ranks number one in its timeslot, dominating cable news in total viewers and the 25–54 demographic, per Nielsen Media Research. Scott’s decision to elevate these two personalities is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on their popularity while diversifying the network’s programming and appealing to a broader audience.
Rachel Campos-Duffy: From Weekend Mornings to Primetime Stardom
Rachel Campos-Duffy’s journey to primetime is a testament to her versatility and audience appeal. Born in Tempe, Arizona, to Mexican-American parents, Campos-Duffy first gained fame as a cast member on MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco in 1994. Her conservative views and Catholic upbringing made her a polarizing figure on the show, but they also laid the foundation for her career in media. After stints as a guest host on The View and Today, she joined Fox News as a contributor in 2016, quickly becoming a regular on Outnumbered and Fox & Friends.
In 2021, Campos-Duffy was named co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, replacing Jedediah Bila and becoming the only Hispanic woman to co-host a cable news morning program. Her relatable style, informed by her role as a mother of nine and her advocacy for Hispanic economic empowerment through The LIBRE Initiative, resonated with viewers. In 2024, she expanded her portfolio by launching Fox Noticias, a Spanish-language program on Fox Deportes, spotlighting issues impacting the Hispanic community. The show’s debut, featuring an interview with Panama’s President Jose Raúl Mulino, drew praise for its focus on underserved audiences.
American Pulse with Rachel Campos-Duffy marks a significant leap. The show, set to premiere on September 15, 2025, will air from a state-of-the-art studio in New York, blending interviews, panel discussions, and on-the-ground reporting. “I’m thrilled to bring the stories of everyday Americans to primetime,” Campos-Duffy said in a statement. “This show is about the heartbeat of our nation—family, faith, and the issues that matter most.” Fans on X erupted with excitement, with one user posting, “Rachel in primetime? YES! She’s going to crush it. #AmericanPulse #FoxNews.” Another wrote, “As a Latina, I’m so proud to see Rachel Campos-Duffy get her own show. She speaks for us.”
The move is a bold one for Fox News, which has traditionally reserved primetime for heavyweights like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. Campos-Duffy’s show aims to carve out a unique space, focusing on cultural and economic issues rather than pure political analysis. According to a source close to the network, quoted in Variety, “Rachel’s ability to connect with viewers as a mom, a Latina, and a conservative makes her the perfect fit for primetime. She’s authentic, and that’s what people want.” Her promotion also signals Fox News’s intent to reach the growing Hispanic electorate, which accounts for nearly 20% of the U.S. population.
Lawrence Jones: A Rising Star Takes Center Stage
At 32, Lawrence Jones is one of the youngest voices in cable news, and his promotion to Fox & Friends weekday co-anchor is a historic milestone. A native of Garland, Texas, Jones joined Fox News in 2018, gaining recognition for his “man-on-the-street” segments and enterprise reporting. His emotional interviews, such as one with the family of Davell Gardner Jr., a one-year-old killed in a 2020 Brooklyn shooting, showcased his ability to tell impactful stories. In 2021, he was named enterprise reporter for the Fox & Friends franchise, and in 2023, Scott elevated him to co-host of the weekday program, making him the youngest Black co-host in cable news history.
Jones’s new role as a permanent weekday co-anchor, starting September 1, 2025, replaces Steve Doocy, who announced in May 2025 that he would step back to work three days a week from Florida, focusing on special projects. Jones will join Ainsley Earhardt and Brian Kilmeade, bringing his signature storytelling and youthful energy to the 6–9 AM/ET slot. “I’m honored to join Fox & Friends full-time,” Jones said in a statement. “This show is about real people and real stories, and I’m excited to keep bringing that to our viewers.”
Fans on Reddit’s r/FoxNews celebrated the move, with one user writing, “Lawrence Jones is the future of Fox. He’s young, relatable, and doesn’t just read a script—he gets out there and talks to people.” On X, a post read, “Congrats to Lawrence Jones! From enterprise reporter to weekday Fox & Friends co-anchor? That’s a glow-up. #FoxNews.” Jones’s promotion is seen as a nod to his growing influence and ability to connect with younger viewers, a demographic Fox News is keen to retain.
Suzanne Scott’s Vision: Redefining Fox News
Suzanne Scott, who became Fox News’s first female CEO in 2018, has been a driving force behind the network’s evolution. Ranked 61st on Forbes’s 2021 list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, Scott has overseen a series of bold programming changes, including launching Gutfeld!, a late-night comedy show that outperforms broadcast competitors, and appointing Shannon Bream as the first female anchor of Fox News Sunday in 2022. Her decision to promote Campos-Duffy and Jones reflects a strategy to blend fresh voices with the network’s conservative roots, appealing to a diverse and evolving audience.
“Fox News is about telling stories that matter to Americans,” Scott said during the announcement. “Rachel and Lawrence embody that mission. They’re trusted, they’re real, and they’re ready to lead us into the future.” The promotions come at a time when cable news faces challenges from streaming platforms and social media, particularly among younger viewers. By elevating Campos-Duffy to primetime and Jones to weekday mornings, Scott is betting on their ability to maintain Fox News’s dominance while attracting new demographics.
Critics, however, have raised questions. Some media analysts, cited in The Hill, suggest the moves could alienate viewers accustomed to traditional primetime hosts, while others see them as a savvy response to changing viewer habits. “Fox News is doubling down on personalities who can connect on a personal level,” a Variety columnist wrote. “Rachel’s focus on family and Hispanic issues, and Lawrence’s ground-level reporting, make them ideal for this moment.” Despite past controversies, including allegations of Scott’s involvement in handling sexual harassment complaints (which she has denied), her leadership has driven consistent ratings growth, positioning Fox News as a powerhouse.
Fan and Industry Reactions: A Social Media Frenzy
The promotions sparked a wave of reactions across platforms. On X, #FoxNewsShakeUp trended, with fans praising Scott’s bold vision. “Rachel Campos-Duffy in primetime and Lawrence Jones on Fox & Friends? Suzanne Scott is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers,” one user tweeted. Another wrote, “This is huge for Fox News. Rachel and Lawrence are the future—relatable, real, and ready to lead.” On Reddit’s r/Conservative, users lauded Campos-Duffy’s promotion, with one commenting, “Rachel’s going to bring heart to primetime. Her focus on family and faith is exactly what we need.”
Industry insiders also weighed in. A Deadline report noted, “Fox News is clearly looking to diversify its appeal while staying true to its base. Campos-Duffy’s primetime slot and Jones’s morning role are strategic moves to keep viewers engaged.” Some critics, however, questioned whether Campos-Duffy’s polarizing comments, like her 2018 defense of Trump’s immigration policies, might limit her primetime reach. Others praised her authenticity, with a Variety source saying, “Rachel’s not afraid to speak her mind, and that’s why viewers love her.”
Jones’s promotion drew similar enthusiasm. On Instagram, a fan posted, “Lawrence Jones is killing it! From the streets to the Fox & Friends couch—he’s earned this.” His youth and reporting style have made him a standout, with fans on X calling him “the voice of a new generation.” However, some expressed concern about replacing Doocy, a veteran anchor, with one Reddit user writing, “Lawrence is great, but Steve Doocy’s shoes are big ones to fill. Hope he can handle the pressure.”
The Broader Context: Fox News’s Evolving Landscape
Fox News’s dominance in cable news is undisputed, but the industry is changing. With streaming services like Netflix and social media platforms like X competing for attention, networks must innovate to stay relevant. Scott’s promotions reflect this reality, leveraging Campos-Duffy’s appeal to Hispanic viewers and Jones’s ability to connect with younger audiences. Fox Noticias has already proven successful in reaching Spanish-speaking viewers, and American Pulse aims to expand that reach in primetime. Meanwhile, Jones’s role on Fox & Friends ensures the morning show remains fresh and dynamic.
The moves also come amid a politically charged climate. With the 2024 presidential election in the rearview and a new administration shaping the national conversation, Fox News is positioning itself to cover issues like immigration, the economy, and cultural divides. Campos-Duffy’s focus on family and Hispanic issues aligns with these priorities, while Jones’s reporting style brings a grassroots perspective. As a Forbes analyst noted, “Fox News is betting on authenticity. Rachel and Lawrence aren’t just talking heads—they’re storytellers who reflect their audience.”
The Future of Fox News
Campos-Duffy’s American Pulse is expected to feature high-profile guests, from politicians to community leaders, with a debut interview rumored to include a major conservative figure. The show’s format, blending hard news with human-interest stories, aims to differentiate it from competitors like Hannity. Jones, meanwhile, will bring his enterprise reporting to Fox & Friends, continuing his “man-on-the-street” segments while anchoring the desk. His youth and energy are seen as a counterbalance to Earhardt and Kilmeade’s veteran presence, ensuring the show remains a morning staple.
Both promotions signal Fox News’s commitment to diversity—not just in demographics but in storytelling. Campos-Duffy’s primetime slot and Jones’s morning role position them as faces of the network’s future, a vision Scott has championed since taking the helm. As one fan tweeted, “Suzanne Scott just reshaped Fox News. Rachel and Lawrence are going to make waves. This is must-watch TV.”
Conclusion
Suzanne Scott’s decision to promote Rachel Campos-Duffy to primetime and Lawrence Jones to weekday Fox & Friends co-anchor is a game-changer for Fox News. These moves, announced on August 15, 2025, reflect a bold strategy to blend authenticity, diversity, and relatability while maintaining the network’s conservative core. Campos-Duffy’s American Pulse promises to bring heart and perspective to primetime, while Jones’s youthful energy will invigorate mornings. Fans and industry insiders alike are buzzing, with social media ablaze over the “shake-up” that’s turning heads. As Fox News navigates a changing media landscape, Scott’s vision, embodied by Campos-Duffy and Jones, is redefining the network’s future—one heartfelt story at a time.
