As details of the case emerged, so did speculation on the amount Ailes would receive in his exit package.
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Having the elder Murdoch in charge will also ensure that Fox News will keep its tone and maintain its appeal to viewers who want to see more conservative viewpoints represented.
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.
In a statement, Murdoch praised Ailes, 76, and his “remarkable contribution” to the company, without making mention of the sexual harassment scandal that felled him. “[He] shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years”.
Prior to his dramatic and embarrassing downfall, Ailes was said to be one of the few employees that Rupert Murdoch actually feared. The longtime Fox News commentator and former “Fox & Friends” and “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson” host claimed she had experienced “severe and pervasive sexual harassment” during her decade-long tenure at Fox, and that Ailes had exhibited “harassing, discriminatory and retaliatory treatment” toward her. The complaint also alleged that Ailes made inappropriate comments and unwanted sexual advances toward Carlson before ultimately terminating the host without notice on June 23.
Ailes, who resigned under pressure Thursday amid accusations of sexual harassment, was a strong manager who inspired both loyalty and fear.
The takedown of Ailes is being driven by Lachlan Murdoch – Rupert’s son – who was pushed out of the News Corp team by Ailes 11 years ago. The company has no plans to make results of its investigation public.
However, in his letter of resignation to Murdoch, Ailes said: “I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions”. Two came forward publicly. If Ailes thought that Fox News could stoke Americans’ reflexive disbelief of victims indefinitely, he made a bad bet. Jesse Angelo, publisher of the New York Post, is one who could fit that bill, he said. “And the Murdoch sons would like the company to reflect what they believe are more 21st century values”. The Murdoch sons may also seek to make a statement by reaching outside the current Fox News culture. He then walked out and addressed the entire newsroom.
“I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry”.
Ailes, in a statement, denies the allegations and accuses Carlson of filing the lawsuit in retaliation for her contract not being renewed.
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July 9: NY magazine publishes allegations of sexual misconduct by Ailes from six other women, two of whom speak on the record.
