On Wednesday evening, Tucker Carlson, the former host of Fox News, broke his silence by posting a two-minute video online. Although he did not comment specifically on his abrupt exit from Fox News, he did criticize the state of television news, referring to the debates that take place on air as "unbelievably stupid" and "completely irrelevant". Carlson went on to suggest that in five years, these debates would be forgotten, and that there were few places left where Americans could hear "true things". While Carlson's video did not include any direct reference to his future plans, it was posted just after his old Fox News time slot, suggesting that he may be considering a return to television.
Fox News has seen a decline in ratings since Carlson's departure, with its worst ratings in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demographic for a non-holiday Tuesday audience in the 8pm hour since before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Fox News announced earlier in the week that the network and Carlson had severed ties. The decision to part ways with Carlson was made by Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch and Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott. Carlson was informed of the decision on Monday morning, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The announcement came one week after Fox News settled a monster defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million over the network's dissemination of election lies. The lawsuit had exposed Carlson disparaging colleagues, and a lawsuit filed in March by his now-fired top booker, Abby Grossberg, also included a number of allegations of sexism on his show.
Fox News has not yet commented publicly on Carlson's departure, aside from thanking him for his service to the network as a host and contributor. While his future plans remain uncertain, Carlson's departure has undoubtedly shaken up the world of television news, leaving many speculating about what comes next for the controversial figure.