Reporters and pundits suspected it was coming, but they were shocked anyway when news broke Thursday afternoon that Rogers Ailes had resigned as chairman and CEO of Fox News.
ROGER AILES LEAVES FOX NEWS Updated with new details via @brianstelter https://t.co/iKGod8FXqk … @DylanByers
— CareyPenaTV (@CareyPenaTV) July 21, 2016
Ailes is out. What a week
— Marisa Lagos (@mlagos) July 21, 2016
Wow. Liberals have wanted to take Roger Ailes down for years. @GretchenCarlson is about to be canonized by the left. Stunning developments!
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 21, 2016
STUNNING downfall. Roger Ailes resigns as the head of @FoxNews. WOW
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 21, 2016
Ailes’ resignation, which comes just two weeks after former Fox host Gretchen Carlson brought a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit against him, was announced Thursday by Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox.
“It is always difficult to create a channel or a publication from the ground up and against seemingly entrenched monopolies. To lead a flourishing news channel, and to build Fox Business, Roger has defied the odds,” said 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch in a statement.
“I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice. Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country,” he added.
His sons, Lachlan and James Murdoch, both of whom were reportedly eager to see Ailes go, concurred that the resignation is for the best.
Many in media responded to the news with reactions ranging from satisfaction to surprise to foreboding.
Good riddance, Roger. https://t.co/Xjvidq2T0x
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) July 21, 2016
Fox employees were hardest hit by the sudden development, as several high-profile staffers came forward Thursday afternoon to proclaim their great love for Ailes.
“There are people in tears, I shed mine a couple of days ago,” Chris Wallace told Politico. He added that Ailes was “the best boss I’ve ever had.”
He also reportedly said he “loved [Ailes] personally.”
“It feels bad,” Bret Baier reportedly said.
Brit Hume told reporters, “I’m absolutely heartbroken that all this happened.”
Hume tweeted later, “To people like myself who have worked with Roger Ailes at Fox News from the start, today’s announcement is heartbreaking.”
Geraldo Rivera said in a simple but somewhat cryptic tweet, “Oh the grotesque unfairness of life.”
He said earlier in reference to the Carlson lawsuit against Ailes, “Don’t believe the crap about #RogerAiles. Only ones talking dirt are those who hate #FoxNews & want to hurt network that’s kicking their ass.”
Rupert Murdoch announced in his statement Thursday that he would take over as chairman and CEO of Fox News and the Fox Business Network in the interim.
