Tucker Carlson is starting a new book imprint with some controversial names on deck

Tucker Carlson is stepping into the world of book publishing with a new imprint under Skyhorse Publishing, a company with a track record of releasing titles from politically and culturally divisive figures. The imprint, announced Monday, aims to give a platform to authors who say they've been shut out of mainstream publishing and media. Among the first writers lined up are Russell Brand and Milo Yiannopoulos-both of whom have cultivated followings by challenging progressive norms and criticizing what they describe as censorship in elite institutions.

Skyhorse, an independent publisher based in New York, has built a reputation for taking on projects that larger houses avoid. In recent years, it's released memoirs from Melania Trump and Woody Allen, as well as books by conspiracy-adjacent figures and former political insiders. Carlson described the new venture as a response to what he sees as growing ideological conformity in media and publishing. "We're looking for books that nobody else will publish-ideas that make people uncomfortable, that challenge the status quo," he said in a statement.

Russell Brand, the comedian-turned-spiritual commentator, has drawn both praise and criticism for his critiques of mainstream politics and media, especially since shifting toward alternative narratives during the pandemic. Milo Yiannopoulos, a former Breitbart editor, rose to prominence in the mid-2010s as a provocateur before being dropped by major publishers and platforms over controversial remarks. His return to print under this new imprint is likely to reignite debates about free speech, deplatforming, and the boundaries of acceptable discourse.

The move marks an expansion of Carlson's media footprint since his departure from Fox News in 2023. Since then, he's built a large audience through his online show, funded by advertisers and viewer support, often focusing on themes of cultural decline, elite corruption, and dissent from mainstream narratives. Adding a publishing arm gives him a new way to shape long-form arguments and amplify voices that align with his worldview.

While the imprint hasn't released a full catalog yet, industry observers expect more announcements in the coming months. Some in publishing worry the project could further polarize an already fragmented cultural landscape. Others see it as a natural evolution in a media environment where niche audiences are increasingly served by independent outlets unbound from traditional gatekeepers.

Skyhorse has not disclosed financial details or editorial oversight arrangements, but the partnership underscores a broader trend: influential media figures leveraging their audiences to create their own distribution channels, from newsletters to podcasts to books. For Carlson, this isn't just about publishing-it's about building an ecosystem for ideas he believes are being suppressed.

Whether this new imprint will gain traction beyond its core audience remains to be seen. But in a moment when trust in institutions is low and cultural battles play out across every form of media, having a place to publish-no matter how controversial-matters more than ever.