Fox takes ‘serious look’ at Huckabee’s political activity amid 2016 talk

Fox News is evaluating its contract with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) amid reports he is exploring another presidential run.

“We are taking a serious look at Governor Huckabee’s recent activity in the political arena and are evaluating his current status,” Fox executive Bill Shine said in a statement to CNN.

{mosads}Fox News terminates the contracts of contributors or hosts who form exploratory committees or who commit to running for office. The policy is intended to prevent any conflicts that would arise from a broadcasting personality also being a candidate.

Huckabee hosts a show that airs on Saturdays. This Saturday’s upcoming broadcast has already been taped.

The former governor, who ran for the GOP nomination in 2008, said in September that he would make a decision next year on a bid. He told reporters he had learned from his mistakes last time.

The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that he is meeting with conservative activists and that staff members have been looking at real estate that could serve as a campaign headquarters.

Fox has previously terminated contracts with potential contenders well before they made a decision. Last week, the network ended its relationship with Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon and conservative author who is considering a White House run.

In the past, the network has terminated contracts with former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.), when they decided to run again for office.