Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is embarking on a new venture in the publishing world, establishing his own imprint that will release books by controversial figures such as Russell Brand and Milo Yiannopoulos. This move marks a significant expansion of Carlson's media influence following his departure from Fox News.
Launch of Tucker Carlson Books
Tucker Carlson Books will operate as part of Skyhorse, a US-based publisher known for its independent and often provocative titles. Carlson, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, expressed his belief that books remain a powerful medium for shaping public discourse, despite declining readership in the digital age. He emphasized that those who engage with books tend to wield disproportionate influence in policy and ideological debates.
Controversial Authors and Titles
The imprint's initial lineup includes Russell Brand's How to Become a Christian in Seven Days, described by Skyhorse as a spiritual guide blending testimony with contemporary relevance. Brand, a former BBC radio host turned influencer, is currently facing serious legal charges in the UK, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, all of which he denies.
Additionally, Milo Yiannopoulos's book Ex Gay will be published under Carlson's imprint. Yiannopoulos, an alt-right commentator, has faced publisher rejection in the past, notably with his 2017 memoir Dangerous, which was cancelled by Simon & Schuster after controversial comments surfaced. He has denied endorsing child abuse, claiming the footage was edited misleadingly.
Skyhorse's Publishing Philosophy
Skyhorse publisher Tony Lyons stated that Carlson's imprint aims to provide a platform for ideas that might otherwise be censored or overlooked. Carlson echoed this sentiment, noting that Lyons is actively seeking out books that mainstream publishers refuse to touch. This aligns with Skyhorse's history of publishing contentious works, such as Woody Allen's memoir and books by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Carlson's Media Evolution
Carlson, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and a purveyor of right-wing conspiracy theories, was reportedly dismissed from Fox News in 2023. He subsequently founded the Tucker Carlson Network, with this publishing imprint being launched in partnership with that media company. This step underscores his ongoing efforts to build an independent media empire outside traditional news outlets.
Skyhorse's Growth and Other Imprints
Founded in 2006 and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Skyhorse boasts of being one of the fastest-growing independent publishers in the United States. Its portfolio includes imprints like Good Books, which focuses on niche topics such as cookbooks and Christian literature, and War Room Books, which published Donald Trump's Time to Get Tough in 2024. This diverse range highlights Skyhorse's strategy of catering to varied and often polarizing audiences.
The launch of Tucker Carlson Books reflects broader trends in media and publishing, where figures from the political and cultural fringes seek to amplify their voices through alternative channels. As Carlson and Skyhorse push forward with this venture, it is likely to spark further debate about censorship, free speech, and the role of publishers in shaping public conversation.
