On Monday, news broke that Tucker Carlson and Fox News had parted ways, leaving behind the top–rated show on cable news, which often exceeded 4.5 million viewers per episode. The news of Carlson’s departure from Fox News came less than a week after the broadcaster and Dominion Voting Systems reached a $787 million settlement and weeks after a former booker at the show, Abby Grossberg, sued Fox, citing “vile sexist stereotypes” she experienced while working for Carlson.
According to LA Times, Carlson was pushed out by Rupert Murdoch in relation to Tucker’s coverage and theories on January 6th and how he believed the government may have been involved.
NEWS
Rupert Murdoch made the decision to fire Tucker Carlson.
Murdoch is said to be concerned over Carlson's coverage of January 6 including conspiracy theories about government agents being involved.@SteveBattaglio scoopshttps://t.co/qYJimgcib2
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) April 24, 2023
The move has been met with strong reactions from across the political spectrum. On Twitter, right wing podcaster Jack Posobiec tweeted, “Tucker out at Fox one day after Ray Epps goes on 60 Minutes Are you paying attention yet?” while left wing Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio–Cortez called for Carlson’s censorship just a day before the news broke.
Tucker out at Fox one day after Ray Epps goes on 60 Minutes
Are you paying attention yet?
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) April 24, 2023
Right wing media figures have come out in defense of Carlson, with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon saying that “Tucker was the reason to watch Fox News” and detransitioner Oli London tweeting, “Tucker Carlson is an American Hero who through his tenure at Fox was able to break some of the biggest and most important stories. Tucker has been fearless in sharing the truth and never afraid to speak out against topics other networks wouldn’t cover.”
Tucker Carlson is an American Hero who through his tenure at Fox was able to break some of the biggest and most important stories.
Tucker has been fearless in sharing the truth and never afraid to speak out against topics other networks wouldn’t cover.
Sad to hear he has left… pic.twitter.com/HADyh1sxmU
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 24, 2023
The departure of Carlson has been a difficult blow to Fox News, with conservative commentator Matt Walsh writing on Twitter, “Wow. Disastrous moment for Fox News. Tucker was by far the most important and relevant figure at the network, and in all of cable news.”
Wow. Disastrous moment for Fox News. Tucker was by far the most important and relevant figure at the network, and in all of cable news. https://t.co/Do3cbHwGYh
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) April 24, 2023
Tucker Carlson’s show premiered in November 2016 and has since become one of the biggest voices in conservative media. His departure has left a void that will undoubtedly be difficult to fill.
Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News as they "agree to part ways"
Read more: https://t.co/TbHv4MLxJZ pic.twitter.com/Of57L3BVr5
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 24, 2023
