Bill Maher is set to start his own podcasting network, where the comedian is set to hire the former ESPN anchor Sage Steele to be his first host. Maher explained that his new platform is founded on “freedom of expression.”
The host of HBO’s “Real Time” explained that he is looking for hosts who speak their minds without holding any reservations. “I am looking for people who are not talking-point people,” Maher said. “I’m looking for people who don’t, before they speak, say, ‘What’s the right answer here?’”
Last year, Steele and her former employer, ESPN, parted ways after settling a lawsuit where she claimed the sports network retaliated against her regarding conservative statements she made. Steele has previously addressed issues such as vaccine mandates.
“Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely,” Steele stated in a social media post. “I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!”
Maher noted that Steele was a good fit for his network because of the fact that she pissed of Disney.” He continued, “These are not rookies, these are grown-ass adult, mature, fun, unafraid people. So I don’t worry about them, and I certainly wouldn’t dream of micromanagement. I mean, they are their own people. And that’s what we want.”
The host has said that she focuses on fostering conversations instead of trying to create stories. “What I’ve always tried to dig out during my career is the ‘why’ behind people and get that human interest story,” she said.
The former ESPN host added that she has received support for speaking her opinions. “You realize that by sharing your story, others can benefit as well. I’ve gotten thousands of emails over the last couple of years since I kind of became controversial and started getting canceled, from people saying, ‘Oh my gosh, thank you for sharing,’ ‘Oh my gosh, I’m afraid too,’ and ‘Oh my gosh, please don’t be quiet, you’re speaking for me.’ So that’s where this came from. I’ve always had that curiosity, but now I know firsthand what it’s like when you open up and are vulnerable and share.”
Steele illustrated the shared values between her and Maher, claiming it is what the country is currently missing. “It’s not even about me or Bill, this is about the big picture, and what I believe and Bill believes is missing in this country, which is true conversation and listening. I mean, since my controversies began — and long before that, actually — people who know me knew my biggest priority is diversity of thought, and if we don’t have that we have nothing,” she continued.
The upcoming host further highlighted that despite her differences with Maher, Steele will provide valuable discourse. “Bill, by saying, ‘You’re gonna be my first hire for my new podcast network,’ he is living that, he’s practicing what he preaches because you look at just the basic issues, right? He thinks marriage is a joke, and kids are annoying. And he’s an atheist. I was married for 20 years. I have three kids and I am a strong Christian Catholic,” Steele said.
"*" indicates required fields