Roger Ailes resigns as Fox News chief amid lawsuit allegations

The questions about Roger Ailes’ future at Fox News in the wake of sexual harassment allegations have rather-quickly been answered.

Today, parent company 21st Century Fox released a statement announcing that Ailes, whose titles include Chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, and Chairman of Fox Television Stations, has resigned from his post. Earlier this month former Fox News host Gretchen Carlson filed a suit against Ailes citing some of the aforementioned allegations as cause, and since that time other allegations have also come to the surface.

Rupert Murdoch, the Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox, will take on the duties for the time being. He praised Ailes in part of a lengthy statement that was released earlier today:

“Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country.  Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years. 

Fox News has given voice to those who were ignored by the traditional networks and has been one of the great commercial success stories of modern media.

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…”

Regardless of its merits or eventual outcome, this lawsuit and headlines have been a distraction for Fox News at a time that is most critical for them. The Republican National Convention is being held this week, and they are often the highest-rated cable news network for this particular demo.

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