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.
Advertisement
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.
Ailes’ downfall began with the July 6 filing of a lawsuit by Gretchen Carlson, who charged that he sabotaged her career because she refused his suggestions for sex and had complained about a pervasive atmosphere of sexual harassment at Fox.
July 12: Veteran Fox News Channel host Neil Cavuto publishes a defense of Ailes in the Business Insider website, describing the accusations against him as “sick”.
July 18: A NY magazine story, citing anonymous sources, reports that company heads Rupert Murdoch and his sons, Lachlan and James, have made a decision to remove Ailes.
The chairman is expected to pocket around $60 million as a “golden parachute” when he leaves. Carlson argues that the arbitration clause doesn’t apply because she’s suing Ailes personally, not Fox News Channel or its parent. Fox News has a relatively old audience – most of its prime-time viewers are over 65 years old.
“Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organisation and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years”.
Fox News Channel is America’s most lucrative and powerful cable news channel for conservatives.
Conservatives watch closely for signs: Even reports that Rupert Murdoch’s son James is more liberal than numerous network’s personalities are regarded with suspicion, said Tim Graham, director of media analysis for the conservative media watchdog Media Research Center. Several other women have since also accused Ailes of sexual harassment.
In what some present said was an emotional meeting, Mr. Murdoch addressed staff in the Fox newsroom in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday.
A former top adviser to Republican presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Mr. Ailes launched Fox News in 1996 with Mr. Murdoch, and brought deep ties to the Republican establishment. In addition, the news channel needs to adapt to changing consumption habits, including the move to digital platforms. “And the Murdoch sons would like the company to reflect what they believe are more 21st century values”.
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. “They clearly don’t have an immediate successor, and Ailes’ lieutenants are loyal to Roger so they will have to be carefully evaluated”. Rupert Murdoch will be taking over as chairman and acting CEO.
Advertisement
In a joint statement, Lachlan and James Murdoch said, “we continue our commitment to maintaining a work environment based on trust and respect”. The first priority is to have someone who can calm the waters and keep Fox running smoothly through the election, Doctor said.
