Fox News Chief Resigns: Was Roger Ailes CEO Or Overlord?
After a 20-year reign of power, the Fox News Channel’s founding chief executive officer, Roger Ailes, resigns his position with the company after recent allegations of sexual harassment by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson. As is to be expected, Ailes’ lawyer, Susan Estrich, has made a formal statement of Roger’s innocence.
“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,” said Mr. Ailes in a written acknowledgement of the situation.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Fox News Channel has been known for years, largely for its strict attraction to reporting through conservative eyes. The media powerhouse has a median viewership age of 65. Just this week, Fox news anchor Megyn Kelly was ridiculed for the style of dress she chose as she reported from the Republican National Convention. The comments making their way around Twitter make it clear that the woman’s ability to report bore little importance compared to the style of cloth she was wearing.
We thought Megyn Kelly’s Thurs RNC reporting outfit was not professional looking,but then we saw her scanty Wed dress.Fox needs dress code?
— Gloria Rueber (@jerseylady1) July 22, 2016
The long-standing chief, Ailes has been iconic in the rise of right-wing conservative viewership. He has been said to have created a sanctuary for conservative news through the rise of the Fox News Channel. He has seemingly worked his whole career to make just the “right” connections for molding the news to fit what its viewership wants. Roger’s political views have been made crystal clear through his actions as the chief executive officer, placing an ironic twist on the manner of his resignation from the company.
As he resigns his position as the chief of the Fox News division, he is supplemented by the company with a hefty severance package of reportedly $40 million. Granted, this was written into Ailes’ contract (which was set to expire in 2018), but what type of image does the action promote? Fox’s chief executive officer quits his job to keep allegations from blowing up, and the news conglomerate says farewell with a check. Does sexual harassment not constitute a breach of contract?
Fox News has also hired an investigation team to look deeper into the present allegations of sexual harassment. In addition to the report filed by Gretchen Carlson, well-known anchor Megyn Kelly has released her own allegations. Reportedly, the incident occurred over 10 years ago.
It is seriously questionable as to whether or not these women will be presented with a fair investigation or trial. Even after Roger Ailes resigns, he will remain a powerful force in the industry as well as the nation. Likely, the whole debacle will end with a large proverbial broom and a delicately placed rug.
These implications bear a heavier burden of controlling forces in this nation. How influential is Mr. Ailes’ reach after serving over 20 years as chief? The man has millions of dollars in resources and a heavily reinforced Republican backing. It remains to be seen how much this public icon will be able to use his stature and position to wiggle away from these serious allegations.
As the chief executive officer resigns, Rupert Murdoch is the man in line to serve as interim chief. This may be an ideal move for the company, as several employees of Fox News have specifications in their contracts which free them from their obligations in the event that the chief executive officer Roger Ailes resigns.
Only time will tell what direction the new chief will steer the news conglomerate. It will also be interesting to keep an eye on who is in the running for the position. Notoriously right-wing in its nature, Fox News has an exciting road ahead. Other popular television powerhouses have not fared the best after the departure of their original founders. Fox News has some large shoes to fill.
[Photo by Jim Cooper/AP Images]
