Tucker Carlson is preparing to unleash allies to attack Fox News in an effort to bully the network into letting him work for — or start — a right-wing rival, sources close to him tell Axios. …

Why it matters: Tucker vs. Fox could reshape the conservative news world. Fox, which has seen its ratings plunge in Carlson’s slot since he was let go 13 days ago, wants to sideline him by paying him $20 million a year not to work.

The intrigue: Axios has learned Carlson is busy plotting a media empire of his own. But he needs Fox to let him out of his contract, which expires in January 2025 — after the presidential election.

[Fox is already at war with Tucker. It’s pretty clear that the leaks about Tucker comes from within the network — where else could it come from? — and they’re hoping to use the derogatory information to provide cover for the decision to can him. Tucker hasn’t fired back yet, likely because he wants to keep his powder dry for the contract negotiations. This leak is clearly designed to play some chin music with Fox, reminding them that he’s got plenty of material to release in kind unless they play ball. — Ed]