Former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz is stepping into a new role as a prime-time anchor on the conservative network One America News (OAN). The network announced Gaetz’s show will debut in January. The one-hour political talk show would air on weeknights at 9:00 p.m. ET. 

A New Chapter for Matt Gaetz

Gaetz, who previously declared he would not return to Congress, shared his enthusiasm for the move. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join OAN’s forward-thinking team and be part of this revolutionary expansion,” he said. 

OAN president Charles Herring welcomed Gaetz, calling him “a remarkable talent and a principled leader.” Herring highlighted Gaetz’s insider knowledge of top policymakers and commitment to “America-first values.” He promised Gaetz’s insights would bring “exclusive content” to the network’s viewers.

Expanding OAN’s Reach

The network sees Gaetz’s addition as a significant boost to its roster. Even though major distributors like DirecTV and Verizon have dropped OAN, the network looks to grow its audience through online streaming and social media. 

“OAN is blazing a trail in media, embracing not just traditional news but the platforms where Americans are going—streaming, apps, podcasts, and social media,” Gaetz noted.

In addition to his talk show, Gaetz will co-host a weekly podcast with Dan Ball, who hosts the Real America with Dan Ball. The podcast will aim to engage Millennials, late Gen Z, and early Gen X audiences with “fresh perspectives and unfiltered conversations,” according to OAN.

From Capitol Hill to the Studio

Gaetz’s decision to pivot to the media follows his announcement last month that he would not join the 119th Congress. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch,” he told conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

This transition comes after Gaetz withdrew his nomination for U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump. The move was followed by partisan calls to release the House Ethics Committee report investigating allegations against him. 

The Ethics Committee investigation has brought attention to Gaetz’s tenure in Congress. Allegations range from illicit drug use to claims that he had a relationship with a minor in 2017. While Gaetz has repeatedly denied the accusations, the controversies have remained a cloud over his political career.

OAN’s Pro-Trump Stance and Challenges

OAN has positioned itself as a staunchly pro-Trump outlet. It often broadcasts unverified claims and conspiracy theories. The network has faced significant hurdles, including lawsuits. Dominion Voting Systems has sued OAN and its owners for promoting false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election. The network doesn’t have deals with major television platforms, which hampers its reach.

Additionally, OAN’s audience numbers have been scrutinized. Without subscribing to Nielsen Media Research, the industry standard for television ratings, the network’s viewership remains speculative. A 2019 CNN report estimated that OAN averaged around 14,000 viewers over three months. 

However, OAN remains committed to its mission. The network statement about Gaetz’s show emphasizes dedication to “credible, independent, and unfiltered commentary.”

Optimism Over Gaetz’s New Role

As Gaetz prepares for his new role, speculation about his political future continues. Some have floated his name as a potential candidate for Florida governor in 2026 or as a replacement for Florida Senator Marco Rubio if Rubio takes a position in Trump’s Administration.

For now, Gaetz focuses on leveraging his political experience and media savvy to expand OAN’s influence. “We’ve been big fans of Matt Gaetz from day one. We admire his leadership and authenticity, and we’re confident he’ll really connect with our viewers,” said Dan Ball.

“It’s an exciting partnership that’s going to take OAN to the next level,” Ball added. 

With Gaetz anchoring the prime-time lineup and engaging younger audiences through his podcast, OAN aims to solidify his presence as a key player in conservative media.