I recently spoke to NBC about Fox News Channel’s firing of Bill O’Reilly, which stirred up the public’s interest and indignation.

21st Century Fox, the parent of Fox News Channel, said in a 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.”

It’s no shock that Fox took action quickly, even though The O’Reilly Factor has long been its top show.  The brand set a precedent nine months ago, when Fox News and Fox Television Stations Group founder and former CEO and chairman Roger Ailes was ousted due to a sexual harassment lawsuit from former anchor Gretchen Carlson and the scandalous claims that followed from an additional two dozen women.

Bill O’Reilly Responds

O’Reilly’s response was that the sexual harassment claims were unfounded.  Whether or not the claims are substantiated, O’Reilly, like all public figures, has to face the consequences of being found guilty in the court of public opinion.

The New York Times reported that five women, including guests and employees of the show, had been paid $13 million in settlement for sexual harassment claims.  These days, advertisers and viewers demand transparency and have almost zero tolerance for anything but.  They hold networks up to the same moral standards – so Fox made the right choice to quickly fire O’Reilly.  It had to be done.  Fox’s reputation was tarnished after the Roger Ailes scandal, and the brand had no choice but to get any more corruption out.

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Ronn Torossian is the founder and CEO of 5WPR and one of the most well-respected Public Relations professionals in the United States.

 

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Ronn Torossian
https://www.5wpr.com
Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.

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