Fox News executives are reportedly debating whether Bill O'Reilly should keep his job
Evan Vucci/AP
O'Reilly announced on his show Tuesday that he was taking a vacation, but New York Magazine cited four network sources who said Tuesday night's program could be O'Reilly's last on the network.
"The assumption is that he'll exit in a non-embarrassing way," one senior Fox News staffer told the magazine.
O'Reilly insisted his vacation had nothing to do with a sexual harassment scandal currently disrupting his brand. The matter has led dozens of advertisers to pull their commercials from the time slot in which his show, "The O'Reilly Factor" airs.
Although New York Magazine's sources say network co-president Bill Shine was attempting to save O'Reilly, the matter rests solely on the shoulders of the Murdoch family, which includes Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of Fox News, and James Murdoch, 21st Century Fox CEO.
"It's up to the family," one senior Fox News official said.
The Murdochs, however, seem to be divided on O'Reilly's future, according to New York Magazine. Two officials from Fox News said that James Murdoch was opting to cut O'Reilly's show, however, Rupert and his older brother Lachlan were fighting to keep the controversial commentator on.
The program is one of the network's top-rated shows and a consistent top-performer among other cable news programs.
The network has been in this situation before, amid a similar harassment ordeal surrounding former Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, who resigned in July 2016.
Despite an advertiser exodus, "The O'Reilly Factor" has seen a surge in viewership. O'Reilly's April 4 show alone managed to draw 3.76 million viewers.
But according to New York Magazine, legal pressures are also mounting. Attorneys from Paul, Weiss - a prestigious law firm known for taking on high-profile clients - was hired to do a "deep dive" investigation into O'Reilly's history, honing in on the claims made by Wendy Walsh, a frequent guest of the show who accused O'Reilly of sexual harassment.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market