Multiple investigations of the Murdoch family's handling of sexual harassment and discrimination allegations at Fox News, as well as reports that the network engaged in cover-up efforts, are taking place in the U.S. and the U.K. The Murdochs control 21st Century Fox, the parent company of Fox News.
Ofcom, the U.K.'s media regulator, is reviewing whether 21st Century Fox is “fit and proper” to take full control of the Sky satellite and cable network. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Fox News for potential misconduct, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which handles mail fraud and wire fraud, has joined the investigation,
CNN's Dylan Byers noted.
An internal investigation at Fox is being conducted by law firm Paul, Weiss, and 21st Century Fox is expected to present the findings to the Justice Department, Byers reported.
“While each investigation is unique, all three are likely to raise questions about the family's handling of their business and their commitment to corporate responsibility,” Byers wrote.
The Murdochs hope that the firings of Fox News chief Roger Ailes, host Bill O'Reilly and co-president Bill Shine demonstrate that the family took the allegations seriously. “But the fact that they only moved to sever ties with these men amid public pressure, years after the first accusations and lawsuits, will draw scrutiny over that commitment,” Byers noted.
The Murdochs are also being criticized for promoting Suzanne Scott to president of programming. Scott has been described by anonymous Fox News sources as “more of the same” or “part of the problem,” Byers wrote.
“Given the Murdochs' eagerness to secure Sky, the decision to keep Scott and other former executives in place at Fox has many media executives scratching their heads,” Byers reported. (Source: CNN.com, May 3, 2017.)
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