Network executives are preparing to announce Bill O’Reilly’s departure from Fox before he returns from an Italian vacation on April 24, the New York Magazine reported Wednesday.
Fox executives held “emergency meetings” Wednesday morning to discuss how they can end their relationship with O’Reilly, a 21-year veteran of the network, without causing collateral damage, the publication added, based on information received from unnamed sources that were briefed on these discussions.
The board of Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, is also reportedly scheduled to meet on Thursday to further discuss the matter.
The sources told New York Magazine that O’Reilly’s “exit negotiations” are moving along swiftly.
Fox executives are reportedly leaning against allowing O’Reilly to have a so-called sign-off, or good-bye show, with money left on the table being the main issue in negotiating a seamless deal. Management is also still debating possible replacement hosts, picking from talent including Eric Bolling, Dana Perino and Tucker Carlson.
Fox didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Fox News parent Twenty-First Century Fox recently said it will begin investigating a sexual harassment claim against O’Reilly, who has seen numerous companies pull their ads from his top-rated news show just this month.
“21st Century Fox investigates all complaints and we have asked the law firm Paul Weiss to continue assisting the company in these serious matters,” the company said in a statement.
Read the full report from New York Magazine’s Daily Intelligence.