“What I can say is there’s a lot of talk going on…at Fox with various people involved”, one of Ailes’s attorneys, Susan Estrich, told The Daily Beast.
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Murdoch, 85, will assume the position of chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.
Ailes will receive in excess of $40 million, which accounts for the remainder he is owed under the terms of his multi-year contract with Fox.
In rapid succession, it was reported that Kelly was among other women who had told investigators about harassment and that Murdoch – and sons James and Lachlan – determined that Ailes had to go. When watching audition tapes of anchors and reporters, Ailes would sometimes keep the sound off, people who worked with him say.
Ailes continued consulting on presidential campaigns, serving as media consultant for three successful Republicans: Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
After the allegations emerged, some reports said several other women at Fox News had also claimed harassment, including the popular host Megyn Kelly.
Ailes’s imprint is all over Fox News, from its on-air talent to its in-your-face production values to an us-against-them mentality that has made it the favorite channel of conservatives.
Ailes, who resigned under pressure Thursday amid accusations of sexual harassment, was a strong manager who inspired both loyalty and fear.
Ailes once seemed untouchable due to the incredible success of Fox News, which also spawned a business news spin-off, Fox Business, and multiple radio networks. The former chairman and CEO will walk away with a healthy severance package following his resignation on Thursday.
“Fox News has been far more of a TV-centric business than a web or mobile business, if you compare it even to CNN”, said BTIG analyst Rich Greenfield. As part of the agreement, Ailes can not start a competitor to Fox News.
“By fusing television’s power to conjure feelings of anger and resentment to an ideology of cultural populism that demonised liberal elites, Ailes set forth the methods and the message that would help conservative politicians win and maintain power for decades”.
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”. Fox News has a relatively old audience – most of its prime-time viewers are over 65.
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In the statement released today, Murdoch said, “Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country”. By 2002, Fox News passed CNN in the ratings and has been the top-rated cable network ever since. Network sources believe top spokesperson Irena Briganti is likely to exit the network with Ailes. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.
