Fox said that Ailes, who was also chairman of Fox Television Stations, had resigned from his role with immediate effect and that 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch would take over his role at Fox News and Fox Business Network personally in an acting capacity.
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Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch, the company’s executive chairman, will run Fox News and its sister Fox Business Network, which Ailes also led, until a successor can be found.
Commenting on the move, Murdoch said: “Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years”, Murdoch said.
The event of removing Ailes and taking over by the executive chairman of 21st Century Fox comes about two weeks after Gretchen Carlson, an ex- Fox News anchor, filed a lawsuit against Ailes.
Further allegations surfaced in USA media that Ailes sexually harassed another Fox News presenter, Megyn Kelly, about 10 years ago, claims he has also denied. Fox News has been one of the most reliable sources of victim-blaming rhetoric, with commentators who are always ready to suggest that women who make claims of assault or abuse either are lying or were asking for it. He will continue to make himself available as an adviser to Murdoch on an interim basis, the two people said, though he will not be directly involved with Fox News or its owner, 21st Century Fox.
Carlson, who worked for the network for 11 years, alleges that he proposed having a sexual relationship with her and he instructed her to turn around in his office so he could look at her backside. “I think that’s how it’s going to be with Roger Ailes”. As part of the agreement, Ailes can not start a competitor to Fox News.
Ailes has vigorously denied the claims.
Mr Murdoch paid tribute to Ailes as 21st Century Fox confirmed his departure. See, Roger Ailes is a man of the people, and it’s a tragedy that his alleged history of sexual harassment has put an end to his crusade against the elitists in the media. By 2002, Fox News passed CNN in the ratings and has been the top-rated cable network ever since. “He invented this winning formula and all you have to do is not mess with it too much and it will continue to mint money for you”.
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The New York Daily News today reported that Ailes would receive a $60 million as part of a separation agreement and would also remain on board in a consultant role. “I can’t think of a better person to keep Fox News on track than Rupert”. Noticeably, it was left to Murdoch’s sons, Lachlan and James, to point out that the company is committed “to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect”.
