Here's Why This Conservative Is Glad Bill O'Reilly Is Leaving Fox News | The Odyssey Online
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.

60
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.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1852
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16596
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3508
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments