When FOX announced it was purchasing Outkick and looking to find a bridge between sports and news, it raised questions about what might come next. Today, news/talk radio affiliates got that answer.

Premiere Networks has informed stations that starting on Monday June 21st, a new weekday program will be introduced to its lineup, filling the void created by the passing of Rush Limbaugh. Outkick owner and FOX Sports Radio morning host Clay Travis will team up with Buck Sexton to launch “The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show,” a new three-hour talk radio program, airing Monday-Friday from 12p-3p ET.

Travis has made a name for himself in the media space, developing Outkick into a mainstream brand, and entertaining listeners on sports radio weekday mornings on FOX Sports Radio. He’s also contributed on television to FOX Sports 1, appeared frequently as a guest on FOX News, and has even authored a book. Travis is expected to continue appearing on FS1’s sports betting TV show “Fox Bet Live,” in addition to hosting his podcasts “Outkick The Show” and “Wins & Losses With Clay Travis.”

Sexton on the other hand has performed as the host of ‘The Buck Sexton Show’ which has been syndicated on over 180 stations by Premiere. His professional resume includes time served as an officer with the Central Intelligence Agency and as a counterterrorism expert with the New York Police Department. He has been a regular guest on Fox News as a national security analyst, The Blaze’s former editor for national security coverage, and he’s served as a fill-in host of The Rush Limbaugh Show. He also hosts “Hold The Line” on The First weeknights at 7pm ET.

Travis said of the pending move, “I’ve loved spending the past six years building ‘Outkick The Coverage’ into one of the most-listened-to sports talk shows in the country, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to join Buck Sexton as we launch this new program in the most coveted timeslot in the talk format. While no one will ever replace Rush Limbaugh, Buck and I are excited to continue advancing the causes he held dear, most importantly American exceptionalism, a fervent embrace of capitalism, and a belief in a robust marketplace of ideas. At a time of rabid cancel culture and toxic identity politics, we will be the voice for many who feel scared to say what they think for fear of the censorious online mob. We can’t wait to get started.”

Sexton weighed in as well, adding “I could not be more thrilled – and am deeply humbled – by the opportunity to host this new program with Clay Travis. We think it’s important to carry on the tradition of Rush Limbaugh and bring truth to the masses. One thing I can promise all EIB listeners out there: we’re with them and we will always fight for them with the show Clay, and I do every day.” 

The timing of this move is important. Many stations were wondering what Premiere’s path forward would be, and with Westwood One launching Dan Bongino, and Audacy striking a deal to feature Dana Loesch on more of their stations., retaining the affiliate base that Rush built was vital to iHeartmedia’s long-term business plans. By adding Travis and Sexton, two familiar faces and voices that conservative radio listeners are familiar with and who have many years available in their broadcasting careers, the network has positioned itself well for the present and the future.

The Wall Street Journal broke the story and received a comment about the move from iHeartmedia President Julie Talbott. She said “We’re not going to replace Rush Limbaugh, we’re going to have an evolution of the show with fresh voices—those that grew up on Rush and admired him.

By making the move into the news/talk space, Travis will leave a vacancy for FOX Sports Radio in morning drive. The network does have internal options it can consider but given its popularity across the country, attracting top talent shouldn’t be difficult.