The following is the full text of the resignation letter sent by Fox News Chief Executive Roger Ailes to Rupert Murdoch, the executive chairman of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (FOXA.O), the parent of Fox News.
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The departure of Ailes comes less than three weeks after former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit alleging that Ailes retaliated against her and sabotaged her career because she complained about a hostile work environment at the network and rebuffed his advances.
Ailes, who have an official function at the firm and no longer will serve as an informal advisor, will receive a severance package of about $40 million, based on a source familiar with the scenario, who requested to remain anonymous. However, a report published several days later by NY magazine’s Sherman detailed statements from six other women who said they were also sexually harassed by Ailes.
Ailes’ resignation, announced Thursday afternoon, is effective immediately, thrusting Murdoch into a management role at Fox while a search for a permanent successor takes place. The prime man in Fox News Channel has denied the sexual-harassment charges made by Carlson and others.
And not just anybody is taking over – His long-time boss, billionaire Rupert Murdoch, will temporarily run the newsroom. “To lead a flourishing news channel, and to build Fox Business, Roger has defied the odds…I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice”. 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch, the elder son of Murdoch, is pushing the whole company to step up its game in digital distribution and advertising technology. “Roger is Fox News come to life”. [Bill] Shine, the senior programming executive, does not command the same level of respect from the Murdochs, while the former top news executive, Michael Clemente, was recently sidelined by Ailes. As part of the agreement, Ailes can not start a competitor to Fox News.
The shakeup has prompted a number of Fox News hosts and analysts to weigh in, including Bret Baier, who told Politico, “It feels bad”.
Kelly had been effusive in her praise of Ailes in recent press interviews, crediting him with her success at Fox News.
The challenge appeared massive as the Fox brand name in television was associated with the upstart broadcast network best known at the time for “The Simpsons”. The Murdoch sons may also seek to make a statement by reaching outside the current Fox News culture.
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“Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organisation and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years”.
