Reports of Roger Ailes’ impending departure from Fox News have come to pass. On Thursday, 21st Century Fox announced that the exec, who served as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, as well as chairman of Fox Television Stations, has resigned, effective immediately. The news comes in the wake of an investigation into recent sexual harassment allegations against him.
With Ailes out, Rupert Murdoch, 21st Century Fox’s executive chairman, will step in as chairman and acting CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. He bid his colleague a fond public farewell, highlighting the contributions Ailes has made over his decades with the media company.
“Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country,” said Murdoch in a statement. “Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years.”
Impressive as his accomplishments have been, there has certainly been a cloud over Ailes’ departure. In early July, longtime Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment suit against the chairman, as reported by The New York Times. Carlson claimed that she was fired after rejecting advances from Ailes, which led 21st Century Fox to launch an investigation. Sources recently told New York Magazine that the investigation turned up further claims from employees, including from popular Fox News host Megyn Kelly of The Kelly File.
The timing of Ailes’ departure may not be the worst for Fox as it coincides with the Republican National Convention. The RNC has already inspired numerous buzzworthy headlines, from whether or not prospective first lady Melania Trump plagiarized her speech to Ted Cruz’s noticeable lack of an endorsement for Donald Trump.
