Fox News announced Thursday they are changing their slogan from the Roger Ailes’ originated phrase “Fair and Balanced” — but that’s just the beginning of the major shakeup happening within the network.
The phrase, which Ailes coined when he and Rupert Murdoch founded Fox News in 1996, will be replaced with “Most Watched, Most Trusted.”
The new slogan reflects their high ratings, in which they finished the month of may as the top-rated cable news network in total viewers and the 25-54 year-old demographic.
The outward change could be seen as a symbol for the rapid changes also happening behind the scenes at the cable network. Fox News announced a totally new programming team earlier in the week.
The new team consists of four women that report to the president of programming, Suzanne Scott — which means changes could be coming soon to the network’s lineup.
“Fox has placed several women in senior positions at the network, including Scott as president of programming in May, Amy Listerman as CFO and Marianne Gambelli as president of ad sales earlier in the spring,” The Hill reported.
Fox has had complete revitalization in recent months after the ousting of Roger Ailes over sexual assault allegations and the firing of Bill O’Reilly for the same accusation.
In addition to the senior position changes, there were six other major promotions that could greatly alter the program decision making within the network.
Meade Cooper was promoted to senior VP of programming, in charge of primetime and opinion shows.
Lauren Petterson was promoted to senior vice president of morning programming and talent development.
Amy Sohnen was promoted to vice president of talent development. Jill Van Why was named VP of programming operations. John Finley was named senior VP of development and production.
And last but not least, Ron Mitchell was named vice president of story development and primetime programming, replacing a veteran of the position who had been there since the inception of Fox News.
Scott released a statement explaining the major shakeup, saying “We’re excited to announce a new programming leadership team that will provide a more efficient and cohesive partnership across all aspects of programming and production. These executive are responsible for many of the network’s innovations and achievements over the years, and under their guidance, we’re ensuring FNC’s continued success as the leader in cable news.”
These big changes aren’t just stopping with TV.
There are also major changes coming to the Fox News website.
“Fox News is starting to focus on re-energizing it’s website, tapping Heat Street co-founder and producer Noah Kotch as editor-in-chief and vice president of Fox News digital,” Politico reported.
Ailes reportedly considered the website “an afterthought” but since his ousting, Murdoch wants to capitalize on the digital side of the business.
These announcements come just a few weeks after the network announced major changes in the set up of their New York City studios.
There’s no telling what effects these new positions will have on the tone at Fox News, but after such big shakeups, the Fox News we know could be on it’s way out.
-The Horn editorial team