The Fox Newsapocalypse continues today; just as news broke that the company had offered former Fox and Friends anchor Gretchen Carlson a significant financial payout after her sexual harassment lawsuit went public, mainstay news personality and host of “On the Record” Greta Van Susteren announced her exit from the network, signaling a major loss.
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Van Susteren’s departure came at a time many Fox watchers were focused on other potential changes at the network.
Fox News declined to comment on Coale’s remarks. Once Ailes left, Van Susteren had a chance to leave too.
Van Susteren said the events were unrelated, noting that the clause that allowed her to leave had a “time limitation, meaning I could not wait”.
A person in connection with the 21 Century Fox Corporation said it amounted to $200 million, however the news release from the corporation did not specify an official amount.
She can not leap to a new network right away, however, due to the terms of her Fox contract.
FOX News Channel’s senior political analyst Brit Hume will take over as anchor of “On the Record” starting September 6 and running through the election.
The abrupt announcement today, in the middle of the presidential campaign, was coupled with word that Brit Hume, Fox’s senior political analyst and a former Washington managing editor, will take over as host of “On the Record” through the election.
“That is the hardest part of this decision as they are wonderful people”, Van Susteren wrote on Facebook.
According to a source familiar with the process, Van Susteren asked to renegotiate her contract after Roger Ailes resigned under pressure as Fox News chairman following a sexual harassment lawsuit. It is unclear how long the waiting period is supposed to last.
“I am happy to take on this assignment for the balance of this extraordinary election”, Hume said in the statement. But Fox News co-presidents Bill Shine and Jack Abernethy jointly praised Van Susteren.
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“We are grateful for Greta’s many contributions over the years and wish her continued success”, the two executives said.
