After a flood of allegations against Bill O'Reilly, the network that once seemed poised to stand by him looks to be showing him the door. Multiple news sources, including the Wall Street Journal, have been expecting a statement from Fox News later this week that would release O'Reilly from his contract with the network. However, that statement came today.
Similarities to former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes
After working with the network for 21 years, the last few weeks of O'Reilly's tenure have been mired in controversy after a New York Times report claimed that Fox News paid an astounding $13 million to at least 5 women to settle Sexual Harassment allegations.
Since the report was released in early April, several more women have come forward to accuse O'Reilly of sexual harassment.
In a statement released by Fox News on Wednesday, April 19th, the network confirmed that they were severing ties with the veteran pundit:
"After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the Company and Bill O'Reilly have agreed that Bill O'Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel"
Prior to this, one of the few supporters still in O'Reilly's corner was former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes who was forced to resign from the network in July 2016. At the time, at least 6 women had come forward with sexual harassment claims against Ailes, including former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, who filed a lawsuit against him.
Megyn Kelly also claimed Ailes made sexual advances toward her.
Show held top ratings amid scandal, advertiser loss
Since news of the allegations against O'Reilly began gaining traction, his long-running show "The O'Reilly Factor" saw a mass exodus of companies pulling advertising from his show. In total, over 80 regular advertisers publicly distanced themselves from the show, including ADT, Capital One, H&R Block, and Verizon.
Despite the corporate and financial fallout of the O'Reilly scandal, "The O'Reilly Factor" experienced major viewership gains. Compared to the same period in 2016, the show saw a boost of 26% in total viewership and nearly 42% in the key 18-45 demographic that advertisers tend to be drawn to. Overall, with 3.4 million viewers per night, O'Reilly still held the top rated news show on television and led a Top 10 that included 8 other Fox News regulars.
With increased ratings, and while trying to maintain his personal integrity during the scandal, O'Reilly shocked many by announcing a "pre-planned vacation" on his show last Tuesday, April 11th. He was expected to return to the network on April 24th. In fact, at roughly the same time Fox News released its statement of O'Reilly's termination, the New York Times posted photos on its website of the pundit and his family meeting Pope Francis while vacationing in Italy.
There has yet to be a statement from O'Reilly or his lawyers regarding his contract at Fox News.
