The nation’s most watched news network – and, by far, the most conservative – is in turmoil following reports that journalists Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly were subjected to harassment by Fox News president Roger Ailes.
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Ailes is reportedly in talks with 21st Century Fox to exit the company amid an internal review into allegations of sexual harassment. “The negotiations could conclude as early as Tuesday night, but may take longer, according to [Byers’] source”. “The most important thing for Roger is that Fox News continues to be the No. 1 cable network”.
Kelly, who is Fox News’ most valuable star after her notorious conflict with Donald Trump, is now in talks to renew her contract, which expires in 2017. Three of Fox News’ biggest stars – Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren – have clauses in their contracts that would allow them to depart if Mr Ailes were to leave the network, the two people briefed on the dispute said.
The website The Drudge Report tweeted Tuesday what was purported to be a more than $40 million separation agreement.
It would also contain a consulting contract through 2017, Drudge reported.
Ailes has denied all of the allegations made against him. She added, “There is no agreement, there is no deal, and the review is ongoing”.
Meanwhile, Fox staffers frantically refreshed their Twitter feeds, checking for the latest information.
The stunning development comes less than two weeks after Gretchen Carlson filed the suit in a state court in New Jersey, alleging that Ailes sabotaged her career because she refused his sexual advances. Lachlan Murdoch is executive co-chairman of 21st Century Fox and James Murdoch is chief executive officer.
Ailes’ exit would be a sudden fall from power for a man who started Fox News from scratch 20 years ago and built it into a top-rated cable news program and a critical profit center for 21st Century Fox.
Two sources briefed on the investigation told NY magazine that all three Murdochs “have settled on removing” the 76-year-old Ailes. “Megyn Kelly has made no public comment on the matter, nor will she while the review is pending, other than to say she has cooperated with the inquiry fully and truthfully”.
A lawyer for Roger Ailes is denying that the Fox News Channel chief executive sexually harassed network star Megyn Kelly. In 1996, Ailes was hired by Australian media giant Robert Murdock to launch Fox News, an empire that Sherman calls “The Biggest Voice in the Room”.
Ailes said the allegations were untrue and defamatory. He said he would do things for me if I was his special friend.
In a prepared statement, Estrich disputed the NY report.
His expected departure leaves unanswered questions about the future of Fox News.
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“Roger is at work”, the network said in a statement to several reporters.
