Fox News Forces Bill O'Reilly Out

/

Bill-OReilly-FoxAfter weeks of reports that Fox News settled sexual harassment claims with several women, Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly is forced out of the company. After $13 million in payouts, additional women came forward, including two who hadn't received settlements and therefore could speak openly.

Pressure was on Fox News when more than 50 companies pulled advertising from the network. Parent company 21st Century Fox, owned by the Murdoch family, issued a brief statement:

"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."

In addition, James Murdoch answered questions a short response: "We did a thorough investigation, a thorough review, and we reached a conclusion. Everything that we said in our statement is all you need to know."

In his own statement, Bill O'Reilly defended himself and blamed his celebrity.  Bill O'ReillyImage source.

Discussion:

  • Analyze Fox News and 21st Century Fox's responses in this situation. What did they do well, and what could be improved? What's your view of the companies' actions? Were they too slow, did they cave to advertisers, or something else?
  • Should Bill O'Reilly say anything different in his own response?