21st Century Fox said it was a matter of poor ratings. But the move coincides with the company's efforts to get government approval for its $15 billion takeover bid of European media giant Sky.
For the Murdochs, who control Fox News as part of a larger media empire, getting rid of Bill O'Reilly is a move to regain full control of the European broadcasting giant Sky in a $14.6 billion deal.
The media titan, long accustomed to influence and access when it comes to Australian and British prime ministers, is poised to enjoy similar status with President Trump.
Rupert Murdoch has selected a new leadership team of longtime network executives. Bill Shine and Jack Abernethy will be co-presidents. Ailes was forced out amid sexual harassment charges.
No contemporary figure has done more to shape the intersection of American media and politics than Roger Ailes. He was forced out of Fox News this week following allegations of sexual harassment.
Ailes, the co-founder and CEO of the news channel, "has resigned from his role effective immediately," according to parent company 21st Century Fox. Rupert Murdoch is taking over in the interim.
Roger Ailes has filed countermotions against the sexual harassment suit brought by ex-anchor Gretchen Carlson. Other women, however, are coming forward with similar allegations against Ailes.
Murdoch, the billionaire executive chairman of News Corp., and Hall, the model and former partner of Mick Jagger, have reportedly been dating since late summer.