The ink wasn’t even dry on Gretchen Carlson’s $20 million settlement before long-time host on the right wing Fox News network, Greta Van Susteren, was heading for the hills.
Van Susteren Exercised Clause In Her Contract
Of course, the big story from Fox today is the $20 million they’re paying to Gretchen Carlson. After secretly taping her interactions with former CEO Roger Ailes for over a year, Carlson was able to bring a lawsuit against him. This, of course, resulted in the settlement that made headlines today. By the way, Fox gave Ailes $40 million to leave.
However, within minutes of the Carlson news breaking, the right wing network announced that Greta van Susteren, a 14-year veteran anchor, will be leaving her post, effective immediately.
Van Susteren posted the news on her Facebook page, writing,
“On Thursday night, I made my decision and informed Fox News of my decision that I was leaving Fox News Channel per my contract.
Fox has not felt like home to me for a few years and I took advantage of the clause in my contract which allows me to leave now. The clause had a time limitation, meaning I could not wait.”
CNN reported on the story, saying,
“The contractual clause to which she referred, a so-called ‘key man clause,’ was triggered by Fox News chief Roger Ailes’ resignation in late July amid a sexual harassment scandal. Once Ailes left, she had a chance to leave too.
According to multiple sources, Van Susteren sought to renegotiate the terms of her contract after Ailes resigned.
Fox executives refused to negotiate, one of the sources said. So she chose to activate that clause.
The sources said Van Susteren had been unhappy with the way Ailes ran the network the past few years, and with the way the network was perceived
‘It didn’t appear it was getting better’ after Ailes left, one of the sources said, so she looked to the exit.”
Van Susteren has not appeared on air since giving her notice on Thursday. Brit Hume will take over her time slot through the election season.
Featured Image via YouTube screen capture
