Sarah Palin to Fox News — a Step Away from 2012?

By Devin Dwyer
@devindwyer
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ABC News’ Rick Klein reports: Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is taking what appears to be a step away from elected office in accepting a new role as a Fox News contributor. The announcement, as reported by The New York Times’ Jim Rutenberg today, answers one of the persistent questions surrounding Palin since she resigned the governor’s office last summer. Her new gig with Fox News Channel will give Palin a new megaphone, in addition to her 1.1 million-plus supporters on Facebook. The Times reports that Palin has inked a “multi-year deal” that will make her part of the cable outlet’s programming “on a regular basis,” as part of an occasional series. But while the Fox job will leave room for other pursuits, it’s also the latest sign that Palin, R-Alaska, is looking for ways to build upon her political brand in ways that don’t necessarily include a run for the presidency in 2012. Though terms of the Fox deal have not been made public, this plus her quick authorship of a bestselling memoir suggest that Palin’s attention has turned to her own finances since leaving public life. Messages left with Fox and Palin representatives were not immediately returned this afternoon. UPDATE: Fox News Channel made the formal announcement of the deal this afternoon. According to the press release: “Palin will provide political commentary and analysis for FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOXNews.com, and FOX News-produced special event political programming for FOX Broadcasting.” “In addition, she will host periodic episodes of FNC’s ‘Real American Stories,’ a series exploring inspirational real-life tales of overcoming adversity throughout the American landscape that will debut in 2010.” (Time will tell how many of those stories originate from “the real America.”) Says Palin, in the news release: “I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management team at FOX News. It’s wonderful to be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.”