Fox Sports has been in talks with veteran TV host Regis Philbin to host a show for its planned Fox Sports 1 channel, according to several sources. Fox and Philbin have not agreed on a deal yet, but sources say talks are serious and an agreement could be close at hand. Fox declined to comment on the rumors, but sources say Philbin would serve as the main host of a show that would look like a sports version of "The View," with Philbin serving in the Barbara Walters-role as the part-time host. Philbin is a known sports fan, and sources said the show would be a sports show, as opposed to a hybrid entertainment-and-sports show. Sources also said that Fox has been looking into having a Jay Mohr show on Fox Sports 1. Last month, Mohr launched "Jay Mohr Sports" on Fox Sports Radio. It is not clear whether Fox is considering simulcasting Mohr's radio show or having him host his own show. Fox Sports still has not officially announced its plans for Fox Sports 1. Sources say Fox will rebrand its motorsports channel Speed as the multi-sport Fox Sports 1 this August. Around the same time, it will rebrand its action sports channel Fuel into the multi-sport Fox Sports 2, sources said (John Ourand, Staff Writer).
TWITTER REAX: Fox' talks with Philbin created some waves on Twitter, with NASCAR blogger John Daly writing, "And so it begins." Former ESPN anchor Cindy Brunson wrote, "Could be hilarious." Taylor Strategy’s Zack Smith wrote, "I'm intrigued by Fox's ESPN-killer, Fox Sports 1, hiring Regis. Knowing his affiliation, the new network might have more ND talk than NBC!" Turnkey Intelligence Senior VP Steve Seiferheld wrote, "Because nothing says 18-49 quite like Regis. Betty White to cohost?"
