Variety: Piers Morgan Takes Ownership of ‘Uncensored’ Brand From Rupert Murdoch’s News UK

Story from Variety:

Piers Morgan is exiting Rupert Murdoch‘s media empire following a lucrative three-year deal and taking ownership of his “Piers Morgan Uncensored” show and business.

The chat show — which pivoted to YouTube-only earlier this year — will be acquired by Morgan’s own Wake Up Productions company, with what it says is a “view to further grow and diversify the brand, initially in the lucrative US market, ahead of exploring opportunities around the world to expand the Uncensored brand.”

Murdoch’s News UK, which launched “Piers Morgan Uncensored” as part its failed TalkTV venture in 2021, will maintain a commercial interest in Piers Morgan Uncensored until 2029.

“I have had a great time working back at News and am delighted that we will continue to be partners,” said Morgan. “Owning the brand allows my team and I the freedom to focus exclusively on building Uncensored into a stand-alone business, editorially and commercially, and in time, widening it from just me and my content. It’s clear from the recent U.S. election that YouTube is an increasingly powerful and influential media platform, and Uncensored is one of the fastest-growing shows on it in the world. I’m very excited about the potential for ‘Uncensored.’”

Wake Up Productions has also contracted US-based sales and marketing company Red Seat Ventures to sell and grow sponsorship and other associated revenues for ‘Uncensored.’

“This is a new business model which gives Piers flexibility to grow his own business by leveraging his position as a true global opinion former,” said Scott Taunton, EVP, President, News Broadcasting. “The changing media landscape means we have to be innovative about how we partner with superstar journalists and connect them to global audiences via our established brands. We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Piers and help him realise his Uncensored ambitions.”

“Piers Morgan Uncensored” has created numerous headlines over the last year for big name interviews with the likes of Kevin Spacey, Armie Hammer and Fiona Harvey (the supposed real-life Martha from Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer”)