Tucker Carlson’s abrupt departure from Fox News in April 2023 sent shockwaves through the media landscape. As the network’s most-watched host, his firing raised immediate questions: Why Was Tucker Carlson Fired From Fox? Brian Stelter’s new book, Network of Lies, offers insights into the downfall of the controversial figure. Carlson’s perceived invincibility and escalating toxicity ultimately led to his dismissal.
The Downfall of a Cable News Giant
According to Stelter, Carlson’s ego had inflated to the point where he believed himself irreplaceable. He fostered a brand built on inflammatory rhetoric, demeaning commentary towards women and minorities, and a penchant for conspiracy theories, including an undercurrent of white supremacy. This behavior, Stelter argues, ultimately alienated a significant portion of Fox News staff and viewers.
More Than Just One Incident
While many speculated that Carlson’s firing was directly linked to the Dominion Voting Systems lawsuit, Stelter dismisses this theory. Although the lawsuit resulted in a $787.5 million settlement for Fox, Stelter’s sources indicate Carlson’s name wasn’t mentioned during negotiations.
Instead, Stelter points to a culmination of factors, including Carlson’s inflammatory rhetoric, racially charged text messages, and disrespectful behavior towards colleagues. Carlson frequently criticized Fox Corp’s policies on diversity and transgender employees, further alienating himself from the network.
A Culture of Toxicity
Stelter paints a picture of a toxic work environment fostered by Carlson and his loyal team. They viewed Fox Corp as an enemy, undermining the network’s policies and fostering a culture of distrust. This “us versus them” mentality contributed to Carlson’s downfall.
The Murdoch Decision
Ultimately, the decision to fire Carlson rested with Lachlan Murdoch, then CEO of Fox Corp and successor to his father, Rupert Murdoch. Stelter suggests Lachlan was asserting his authority, demonstrating that no one, not even the network’s biggest star, was bigger than Fox News.
The Final Straw
While no single event led to Carlson’s firing, his escalating behavior, coupled with the Dominion lawsuit settlement, created a perfect storm. Carlson’s perceived power ultimately proved to be his undoing. He flew too close to the sun, and the Murdochs decided to clip his wings. His firing serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ego and toxic behavior in the media industry.
