Gretchen Carlson is continuing a conversation she helped start. The former Fox News anchor has signed a deal with A+E Originals that sees her producing documentary specials, and her first project will “look at the national reckoning over the scourge of sexual harassment in the workplace,” according to Variety. In June 2016 Carlson made international headlines when she filed a sexual harassment claim against late Fox News chairman Roger Ailes.
Under the pact Carlson will host at least three specials produced by A+E Originals, home of Lifetime, A&E Network, and History.
The first project has landed at Lifetime. Titled “The Brave with Gretchen Carlson,” the two-hour special is a “study of what is needed to combat sexual harassment. The focus will be on telling the stories of women from all walks of life who have suffered unwanted sexual advances in the workplace and the steps that need to be taken to prevent such behavior,” the source details.
“The most crucial thing to me is to move the ball forward. How do we tell everybody’s stories, not just those of relatively famous people, and how do we involve men in this issue,” Carlson told Variety. “We need to focus on the role of men and how important it is for men to join us in this effort. We need men to stop being bystanders and turn into allies.”
The other two specials will tell the inspirational stories of everyday Americans.
In 2017 Carlson released “Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back,” a book detailing how to fight abuse and injustice.
“Gretchen has stood at the forefront of this powerful movement, risking her own career to protect all women. She’s a trusted, courageous journalist and a tireless advocate for women from all walks of life,” said Steve Ascher, VP of A+E Originals.
Carlson added, “This is a huge step for me personally and for all the women who were never been able to go back to the careers that they love. I want to thank A+E for believing in my smarts and my talent. I think it’s important for women to see that there’s a company out there saying, ‘Yes, we’re putting her back on TV.’ I want to be a shining light for all of those women.”
