Dana Perino says chemistry and creative freedom explain why The Five keeps winning. In a wide-ranging conversation on Sean Hannity’s podcast, the Fox News host also shared lessons from her years at the White House podium.
What We Know: Perino said she initially expected The Five to be a temporary show. Instead, the program recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Fox News also marks its 30th anniversary this year. She credited Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott with the idea. Additionally, Perino recalled a night when Greg Gutfeld pushed her to share her own opinion on air. At first, she started to explain the Bush administration’s policy instead. She said that moment showed her the freedom Fox gives its hosts.
Perino also discussed her partnership with America’s Newsroom co-anchor Bill Hemmer. During the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Hemmer cut short a vacation and took a red-eye to join her on the air. Meanwhile, she revisited her time as press secretary for President George W. Bush. She explained that TV reporters often grandstanded during briefings to land a spot on the evening news. In response, she quietly flipped them off behind the podium.
What They Said: “I was told it was just a five-week temporary show. I didn’t really appreciate in television how important chemistry was until I got here. The reason we (Greg Gutfeld and I) sit next to each other is not because we get along. It’s because we were the shortest. The worst mistake anybody can make when they fill in on The Five is to not be themselves. If you’re not being teased on The Five, nobody likes you.” – Dana Perino discussing what makes The Five work.
“You are better at this than you think you are.” – Advice from the late Tony Snow to Dana Perino before he left for cancer treatment.
What Remains Unclear: Perino didn’t address her future plans at Fox News. It’s also unknown if The Five will see more lineup changes as it enters its next chapter.
What It Means: Perino’s comments remind programmers how critical chemistry is to on-air success. It also reinforces how much easier it is for talent to perform when they feel safe sharing honest opinions. In fact, The Five remains one of cable news’ most-watched programs. For news executives, the lesson is clear. Build the right team, back them up and let them be themselves.
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