Rogers Ailes is out as Chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, effective immediately. The parent company of America's most popular cable news channel issued a statement late Thursday afternoon.
"Roger Ailes has made a remarkable contribution to our company and our country. Roger shared my vision of a great and independent television organization and executed it brilliantly over 20 great years," said Rupert Murdoch, Executive Chairman, 21st Century Fox.
"Fox News has given voice to those who were ignored by the traditional networks and has been one of the great commercial success stories of modern media."
Absent from the news release was any mention of the controversy that led to Ailes leaving the network he helped create two decades ago.
Ailes has been accused of sexual harassment by former anchor Gretchen Carlson, who said she was fired for declining his advances. Since she filed suit in a New Jersey courtroom as many as 20 women have come forward to say they too faced unwanted advances or harassment from Ailes.
It has been widely reported that Fox hired a top Manhattan law firm to investigate the allegations and report back. That investigation included speaking to top talent about any possible infractions.
According to New York Magazine, one of the top stars at Fox, Megyn Kelly, told investigators that Ailes harassed her as a young correspondent.
Replacing Ailes at the top will be the company's owner Rupert Murdoch.
"I am personally committed to ensuring that Fox News remains a distinctive, powerful voice. Our nation needs a robust Fox News to resonate from every corner of the country," Murdoch said.
"To ensure continuity of all that is best about Fox News and what it stands for, I will take over as Chairman and acting CEO, with the support of our existing management team under Bill Shine, Jay Wallace and Mark Kranz."
Murdoch's appointment is meant to be temporary.
His sons, key executives in the company joined in praising the vision that Ailes executed but also avoided mention of the controversy. The trio are expected to brief America's newsroom on Thursday.
Read what Ailes said in his resignation letter here.
