Fox News announced that Co-President Bill Shine will depart the network in several weeks after helping with a transition. Shine, who has been with the network since its founding in 1996, has served as co-president since Roger Ailes was forced out of the network for sexual harassment. While Shine has not been accused of sexual harassment, there are allegations that he helped lead efforts to cover-up allegations.
Shine had recently asked the Murdoch family to issue a statement of support, a request they declined. Shine is also very close to primetime host Sean Hannity. He got his start at the network working for the Hannity and Colmes show and Hannity got him his job. Hannity had tweeted to reporter Gabriel Sherman (who had reported that Shine was on the ropes) “Gäbe [sic] i pray this is NOT true because if it is, that’s the total end of the FNC as we know it. Done.” Hannity even went so far as to tweet “#Istandwithshine.”
There were then reports that Hannity was planning on leaving Fox News, but Hannity denied that on Twitter.
Rupert Murdoch said in a statement, “This is a significant day for all at FOX News. 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 the industry. His contribution to our channel and our country will resonate for many years.”
Jack Abernethy remains co-president of Fox News. Promoted to fill Shine’s void were Suzanne Scott and Jay Wallace. Scott is now president of programming which will cover the opinion shows in primetime. Wallace is president of news.
Also of note is Kevin Lord’s promotion to Head of Compliance. Lord will continue to serve as executive vice president of human resources, a job closely watched as Fox News continues with the fallout from sexual harassment claims and a new racial discrimination lawsuit.