Tucker Carlson’s Fox News exit aired on Friday, April 21, 2023. He ended the show by eating pizza with Tyler Morrell, a delivery man who helped police stop a car thief in Pennsylvania. Carlson told his viewers: “We’ll see you Monday; in the meantime, have the best weekend,” not knowing it would be his final show on Fox News. The ousted host posted a video on Twitter on April 26, 2023, speaking publicly for the first time since his firing. He did not address his exit from Fox but railed against “completely irrelevant” debates on TV and “the liars who have been trying to silence” him.
1. The Lawsuit That Led to Tucker Carlson’s Firing
According to several sources, Tucker Carlson’s Fox News exit was related to a lawsuit by a former producer who accused him of sexism. It was also related to the Fox defamation lawsuit settled for a record $787.5 million. He was reportedly fired by Rupert Murdoch, Fox News’ owner, following input from senior Fox officials.
2. Fox News’ Official Statement
Fox News released an official statement regarding Carlson’s termination, stating that they have “mutually agreed to part ways” and thanked him for his years of service to the network. They also announced that a new primetime host would be named soon to fill the vacant slot in their lineup.
3. The Impact on Fox News Ratings
Following Carlson’s departure, Fox News experienced a significant decline in its primetime ratings. This was particularly noticeable during the 8 PM slot, which Carlson had previously occupied. The network’s ratings dropped 56% in the 8 PM slot on Wednesday night compared to the previous week when he was still on the air.
4. 10-Minute Notice
The decision to oust Carlson came from Rupert Murdoch, Fox News’ owner, following input from senior Fox officials. He found out about his firing 10 minutes before it was announced on April 24, 2023.
5. Tucker’s First Twitter Comments
Since his termination, Carlson has been relatively quiet about his plans. There have been rumors of him considering a move to a different network, launching his own media platform, or even entering the political sphere. Carlson posted a video on Twitter on April 26, speaking publicly for the first time since his firing. He did not address his exit from Fox News but railed against “completely irrelevant” debates on TV and “the liars who have been trying to silence” him.
6. Public Response to Tucker Carlson’s Fox News Exit
The public’s response to Carlson’s firing has been understandably mixed. Many have applauded Fox News for finally taking a stand against the controversial alt-right host, often linked to white supremacist agenda.
7. The Future of Fox News’ Primetime Lineup
As Fox News moves forward without Tucker Carlson, they must find a new host to attract viewers and maintain the network’s ratings in the 8 PM slot. Right now, the network places rotating hosts for its primetime lead. A decision on a new permanent host will impact the network’s future ability to compete in the increasingly competitive cable news landscape.
8. Carlson Announces a Twitter Comeback
On May 9, 2023, Carlson said he would bring a revised version of his show to Twitter. He announced it in a Twitter video praising the platform for free speech. He also received a cool welcome from Elon Musk, Twitter’s owner, who clarified he hadn’t signed any deal with Carlson.
9. 10-Minute Show
Tucker Carlson launched his brand-new show on Twitter on June 6, 2023. Carlson’s Twitter show, aptly named “Tucker on Twitter,” premiered with a 10-minute episode, receiving millions of views. In the first episode, Carlson suggested that the destruction of a major dam in Ukraine was self-inflicted, as usual, without providing any proof.
10. FOX News React
Fox News has claimed that Tucker Carlson’s new Twitter show violates his contract with the network. Carlson’s Fox News contract lasts until 2025.
News Trivia Quiz Time
Now that you know all the facts about Tucker Carlson’s Fox News exit, how about a quiz?
Sources
Tucker Carlson’s Fox News exit was covered by all major news outlets worldwide, as he was considered by many as the face of Trumpism on TV. These are the stories we used to assemble and cross-check our facts.
- AP News: Fox ratings tumble in Tucker Carlson slot after his firing
- The Guardian: The terrible truth about the sacking of Tucker Carlson: someone just as odious will replace him
- The New York Times: The Tucker Realignment
- The Washington Post: Tucker Carlson announces Twitter show. Elon Musk tweets cool welcome.
- axios.com: Scoop: Fox News says Tucker Carlson breached his contract
- Reuters: Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson kicks off new show on Twitter
