Fox News announces temporary suspension of Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum as Contributors

Fox News’ Bret Baier just announced that the network has put a 60-day suspension on the paid contributor deals with both Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum — who are both considering a run for president in 2012.

“The suspension is effective for 60 days, then on May 1st, their contracts will be terminated unless they notify FOX they are not running for president,” said Baier, reporting from Washington, DC during “Happening Now.”

Fox News host Mike Huckabee and contributor Sarah Palin, whose names are also being considered as 2012 GOP candidates, are not included in this 60-day suspension.

“This had been contemplated from the start, from the very beginning, but that is effective today — the suspension of the contributor arrangement for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum,” said Baier.

• Video after the jump…

Launch a social media campaign that will build your brand and deliver results in our online Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting June 7. Speakers include Abigail Cusick (Bravo Digital), Gregory Galant (Sawhorse Media), Alex Leo (Thomson Reuters Digital), Jim Tobin (Ignite Social Media), and many more. Read the reviews.