The parent company of the Fox News Channel announced on Thursday that Roger Ailes had signed a fresh, multi-year contract to remain chairman and chief executive of the conservative channel.
The news came despite reports last week that Ailes had accepted a kind of demotion from the ascendent sons of Rupert Murdoch now that their father plans to step down as CEO of 21st Century Fox.
The elder Murdoch is set to relinquish his position of CEO to his son James on July 1, holding down a new position as executive co-chairman. His other son, Lachlan Murdoch, will serve as co-executive chairman as well.
Last week, the Hollywood Reporter said that Ailes would be reporting to the sons rather than the father going forward, while a report on Fox News said that Ailes would still report solely to the elder Murdoch.
A press release from 21st Century Fox on Thursday seemed to split the difference, announcing that Ailes would be still be reporting to Murdoch senior in addition to his two sons.
“I am grateful to Rupert Murdoch for taking the risk on Fox News to see it become the number one 24-hour news network in America. I look forward to working with Rupert, Lachlan and James to do my part to help bring 21st Century Fox well into the future,” Ailes said in the release.
Ailes will “jointly report” to all three Murdochs, according to the release.
“Lachlan, James and I are delighted that Roger will be leading key businesses for us and our shareholders for years to come, and he has our unwavering support,” Rupert Murdoch said.
