Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s supposed departure from ABC’s “The View” was the hot topic of discussion over the weekend, especially in light of Joy Behar’s earlier announcement that she intends to leave the show herself. Elisabeth made no comment, but sources were claiming that they’d been told Hasselbeck’s contract would not be renewed. ABC issued a vague statement to USA Today indicating she had a long-term contract, which only further sparked rumors that they were negotiating a buy out and she was leaving the show. Live on "The View" today, creator Barbara Walters ended the speculation by announcing that Elisabeth Hasselbeck would not be leaving the show, at least not in the near future.
“There is a particularly false story that keeps getting picked up about Elisabeth's departure”, Barbara Walters said at the beginning of Monday’s show.
“We value her and appreciate point of view…She helps keep the show balanced…We have no plans for Elisabeth to leave the show”, according to Fox News.
A source told Us Weekly that market research revealed Elisabeth’s conservative leanings were turning away viewers. “The viewers they polled all said she was too extreme and right wing. People did not watch the show because of Elisabeth”, the insider said.
Hasselbeck, 35, joined the cast of the popular daytime talk show in November of 2003. Since then she’s several times been embroiled in heated debates with her more liberal leaning co-hosts.
Elisabeth remained tight-lipped throughout the media storm, never personally responding with any denials via any social networking sites. ABC’s statement said, “Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a valued member of ‘The View’ and has a long term contract”.
Exactly what that meant wasn’t clear. While entertainment contracts provides specific terms of employment, they typically are not necessarily equated with job security in the business.
Speculation had it that Hasselbeck and “View” producers were in negotiations over a possible contract settlement. Others suggested that given Behar’s departure, ABC may be taking the opportunity to revamp the show entirely.
Others kept their heads and made the point that if Elisabeth Hasselbeck's conservative viewpoints were such a turn off for audiences, the show, “would not have been able to maintain its ratings success over her nearly 10 years as a host”, according to KpopStarz.
Joy Behar, 70, announced her plans to leave the show after more than 16 years. “You can't stay forever on a show” she said. “I am graciously exiting stage left…I felt the time was right. I want to explore other opportunities”.
Who do you think would make a good replacement for Joy?
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