News Corp. chairman Roger Ailes announced this afternoon that Fox News Channel has severed its relationship with controversial on-air personality Glenn Beck after disparaging remarks Beck made about long time Fox Television icon Homer Simpson.
The full text of Ailes’ letter to Mr. Beck appears below.
According to company spokesman Weir Dippschitz, the action was precipitated by an angry phone call to Ailes from a deeply distressed News Corp. founder and Fox Network owner Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch was reportedly livid over Beck suggesting to his viewers the existence of a possible link between Simpson and the 1960s radical group The Weather Underground.
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http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201007290058Dippschitz told reporters, “Fox News and News Corp. categorically deny and refute any suggestions that Homer Simpson, any member of the Simpson family, or any other of ours or Fox Network’s on-air personalities or profit centers are in any way connected with The Weather Underground or any other left wing group. Mr. Simpson has been a beloved member of, and asset to, our extended family for more than 20 years, and will continue to have our full support as long as his show continues to pull a 10-share or higher. While Mr. Beck has been a valuable asset to the company and a stalwart defender of its views and policies, his conduct and lack of judgment shown by his public criticism of another beloved member of our team is inexcusable. We appreciate his years of service, and wish him nothing but good fortune in his future, but he unfortunately has left us with no other alternative than to sever professional ties effective immediately.”
Fox News has announced that “journalist” Andrew Breitbart will guest-host Beck’s show on a trial basis, or until a permanent replacement can be found.
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Text of Roger Ailes’ letter to Glenn Beck:
Dear Glenn,
I just got off the phone with Mr. Murdoch, and to say he is unhappy would be a gross understatement.
What were you thinking?? Not only is “The Simpsons” Mr. Murdoch’s most valuable franchise, but our research tells us that Homer Simpson flat-out epitomizes your biggest demographic. Where would Fox News be if the largest segment of our audience were to believe we consider them part of a vast left wing conspiracy aimed at creating a communist dictatorship in the United States simply based on the fact that they’re a bunch of ignorant dolts?
While in the past I have staunchly defended you not merely against critics, but also in the face of declining sponsorship and ‘the gold thing’, not only because I have the utmost respect for your talents and abilities but also because your views embody those of not only myself but the entire network, I’m afraid that even were I inclined to do so, there’s just no way I could save your stupid, sorry butt this time.
As a small token of my personal esteem for you, I have sent to you (under separate cover) a package containing fifty #2 pencils and a coffee mug emblazoned with the words “PENCILS 25 CENTS” which I am confident will help you get a quick jump-start on your new career.
Wishing you nothing but success in your future endeavors,
Warmest regards,
Roger
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