According to Sherman, the decision was primarily driven by Rupert Murdoch’s sons, James and Lachlan, after
The New York Times reported earlier this month that $13 million has been paid out from either Fox News or O’Reilly to five women to settle their sexual harassment claims against the host in lieu of litigation, despite O’Reilly’s denying the veracity of their claims.
Fox News executives are reportedly meeting on Wednesday to discuss how to contain any damage from an O’Reilly dismissal. O’Reilly, who is currently on vacation, has hosted the network’s most popular show —
The O’Reilly Factor — since the network’s inception in 1996 and remains the country’s highest-rated cable news host.
Sherman reports that “the board of Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss the matter.”
Decisions are now being made as to whether O’Reilly will be allowed a final show to bid farewell to his audience. They are also discussing the terms of his release, with O’Reilly recently having signed a new long-term $20 million a year contract.
Executives within the company are also discussing who will fill O’Reilly’s primetime 8 pm slot, with hosts such as Eric Bolling, Dana Perino, and Tucker Carlson currently under consideration.
Over 90 companies
dropped advertising on
The O’Reilly Factor over the allegations, while a small group of feminist protesters gathered outside the Fox News headquarters in New York
calling on the network to fire O’Reilly.
Last year, Fox News’ longtime chairman
Roger Ailes resigned over claims of sexual harassment against several female staff members, including former hosts Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly.
