Full Breakdown
Riley Gaines Launches New Podcast as Part of Fox News Media Expansion
12/18/2025, 2:36:48 AM
New Podcast Initiative
Fox News Media has announced a multi-year deal with Riley Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and conservative activist, to relaunch her podcast under the title "The Riley Gaines Show." This initiative is part of Fox News Digital's broader media expansion strategy. The show is set to premiere on January 7 and will be available on YouTube and various podcast platforms every Wednesday and Friday. Gaines previously hosted "Gaines for Girls" and aims to provide insights on culture, politics, faith, and motherhood.
Background on Riley Gaines
Riley Gaines gained national attention in 2022 when she competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, which sparked significant debate regarding transgender participation in women's sports. Following her experience, Gaines has become a vocal advocate for women's rights in athletics, emphasizing the need to protect women's sports from what she describes as unfair competition. Her activism has contributed to legislative changes, including an executive order signed by President Donald Trump titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," and the passage of laws in 27 states banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.
Official Statements & Responses
Porter Berry, President and Editor-in-Chief of Fox News Digital, expressed enthusiasm about Gaines's role in the new media expansion, stating, "Riley has been an instrumental voice on OutKick, across Fox News Media, and for women across this country." Gaines herself remarked, "I started this journey of simply saying men shouldn’t play in women’s sports, and OutKick and Fox News Media have supported me from day one." She emphasized her commitment to highlighting the stories of women fighting for their rights in sports.
Criticism & Opposition
While Gaines's advocacy has garnered support among conservative circles, it has also faced criticism from various groups advocating for transgender rights. Critics argue that her stance promotes discrimination against transgender individuals and undermines their rights to participate in sports. This ongoing debate reflects broader societal tensions regarding gender identity and inclusion in athletics.
What's Next
As "The Riley Gaines Show" prepares for its launch, it is expected to feature discussions that resonate with conservative audiences, focusing on issues pertinent to women and sports. The podcast will join a suite of other programs under the Fox News umbrella, including "Ruthless" and "Will Cain Country," as part of the network's strategy to expand its digital footprint and engage with younger conservative demographics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Riley has been an instrumental voice on OutKick, across Fox News Media, and for women across this country,” — Porter Berry, President and Editor-in-Chief of Fox News Digital
- “I started this journey of simply saying men shouldn’t play in women’s sports, and OutKick and FOX News Media have supported me from day one,” — Riley Gaines, Former Collegiate Swimmer and Activist
