Here's Why This Conservative Is Glad Bill O'Reilly Is Leaving Fox News
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Here's Why This Conservative Is Glad Bill O'Reilly Is Leaving Fox News

Every star has a downfall, and it'll be nice to see Fox News without him.

56
Here's Why This Conservative Is Glad Bill O'Reilly Is Leaving Fox News
AOL

After 20 years of broadcasting on Fox News Channel, Bill O'Reilly is leaving in the wake of sexual harassment scandals. As a conservative, I should be sad. O'Reilly has become a staple in conservative news reporting, touting his No-Spin Zone to all of his viewers who watched him question his interviewees and guests like it was a murder investigation. He was bold and brash, unafraid to give his opinions.

But every star has a downfall, and it'll be nice to see Fox News without him.

There are several reasons why I've grown tired of O'Reilly in the last few years. First and foremost, let's talk about those sexual harassment allegations.

A New York Times investigation found five women who were paid by O'Reilly or the parent company of Fox News not to take him to court or make the allegations public. In total, these women received $13 million in payouts. While O'Reilly still insists that these accusations "have no merit," why would you pay five women $13 million for allegations in which you claim you had no part? It doesn't make sense. Sure, the firestorm of publicity would still have ravaged his reputation. But $13 million is a lot to spend keeping five women quiet about something you insist you didn't do.

While I wish Fox News Channel would have done something sooner instead of paying off these women, there is still a sliver of hope that O'Reilly will finally be held accountable for his words and actions. This won't come in the form of payoffs, and he can't hide behind the news network any longer. There must be a stronger message sent from the company that they will not tolerate any behavior of this kind. Sexism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination should not be tolerated on the set or platform of any news network, especially one with as much influence and viewership as Fox News.

But even before these allegations came to light, The O'Reilly Factor was becoming increasingly intense. While he was never one to beat around the bush, there is much to be said about letting people have their say. In the later years of his show, O'Reilly cut off his interviewees more frequently, leaving many viewers with a half-baked explanation or viewpoint to consider. It seemed like he was more interested in hearing himself talk than considering what his guests had to say.

Good news aims to cover all angles, presenting different sides to every situation. Instead of persuading viewers of only one perspective, good news reporting seeks to educate and provide information vital for viewers to come to their own conclusion. While this is becoming rarer in mainstream media outlets, its importance cannot be ignored, and anchors like O'Reilly must be held accountable--both on-air and outside of the studio.

My hope is that as Fox News brings in more news anchors, show hosts and reporters, they will consciously create a culture shift. This happens from the top and trickles its way down. The executives can no longer tolerate inappropriate behavior or sexism of any kind, and they must not support it through payoffs or by turning a blind eye.

It will be nice to see fresh personalities such as Tucker Carlson and The Five take over the hour left vacant by O'Reilly, and I hope that Jesse Watters is promoted soon, too. But my biggest hope is that the viewer base of Fox News will see beyond O'Reilly's influence and recognize that this is much more than a "character smear." This is a rampant problem that conservatives can no longer ignore.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

86894
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

52884
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments