Bill Shine
Photo credit: NBC News First it was Fox CEO Roger Ailes. Then came the ousting of long-time host Bill O’Reilly. Now, just days after Sean Hannity warned that more bad news may be in store for the embattled network, Bill Shine has resigned. Shine has been with Fox News Channel for over two decades.
The Wall Street Journal reported:
In the latest shake-up at Fox News, Bill Shine, the co-president of the network and one of its longest-serving executives, has resigned. Mr. Shine will depart in the next several weeks after helping with a transition, the network said in a statement, which also announced a management restructuring.
Shine was promoted to co-president, alongside Jack Abernathy, after Roger Ailes resigned amid allegations he sexually harassed females at the network. Similarly, O’Reilly left last month after it was revealed that Fox had settled five sexual harassment lawsuits against him. Fox’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, has paid out $13 million in damages to date.
Both Ailes and O’Reilly have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Shine was named in the lawsuits, including the most recent one for racial discrimination which was filed in district court last week. Court documents have alleged that Shine knew about the harassment, and did nothing to intervene. The suits also asserted that his inaction led to a…
Hostile Working Environment
Photo credit: mediamatters.org
According to reports, on-air personality Andrea Tantaros said she was told by Mr. Shine that she “need to let this one go” after complaining of harassment by Mr. Ailes. In a statement on the departure, Executive Chairman of 21st Century Fox, Rupert Murdoch praised Shine’s long time service to the company.
“Bill has played a huge role in building Fox news to its present position as the nation’s biggest and most important cable channel in the history of our industry. His contribution to our channel and our country will resonate for many years.”
Interestingly, Hannity and conservative radio host, Rush Limbaugh, have been very vocal about what they think is happening at Fox. Both men have alluded to the possibility of this being a well-orchestrated attempt to topple the network. Hannity tweeted his concern for Shine just a few days ago saying that his departure “would end Fox News Channel as we know it.”
Inside sources have now expressed concern that with Shine’s departure, Hannity will soon follow suit. In addition, rumors have been circulating about the creation of a new “alt-right” conservative news network.
Curiously, before Mr. Shine was promoted last year, he had been responsible for its prime-time lineup of right-leaning opinion shows.
