The hits just keep coming for the top cable news network.
In the wake of the ongoing scandals at Fox News, it appears as though the network could be in some serous legal trouble. As most of you know, two weeks ago, Fox News fired long-time host Bill O’Reilly following multiple allegations of sexual harassment against him.
In addition, several African-American employees have just filed a lawsuit against the network, claiming they have been subjected to racial discrimination. Former host Andrea Tantaros is also involved in an ongoing legal battle with the network over sexual harassment allegations as well.
Now, it appears as though all of Fox News’ troubles may have gotten much worse, as a new report claims that the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Post Office are investigating the network, focusing on mail and wire fraud.
Discussing the feds’ Fox News probe with @SusanHendricks on @HLNtv… https://t.co/LSPuzCLDp2 https://t.co/KlGTCCBpRy
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) April 28, 2017
From CNN Money:
Investigators from both the USPIS and the Justice Department have been conducting interviews in recent weeks — including with some former Fox staffers — to obtain more information about the network’s managers and business practices, the sources said.
The existence of the federal investigation was revealed in February. At the time Fox News and its parent company 21st Century Fox said they had not been subpoenaed, but a spokeswoman said, “we have been in communication with the U.S. Attorney’s office for months — we have and will continue to cooperate on all inquiries with any interested authorities.”
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The investigators have been asking “how the shareholder money was spent; who knew; and who should have known,” one of the sources said. But, CNNMoney has learned, the settlement payments are not the only thing they are examining.
Investigators have been probing possible misconduct by Fox News personnel and asking questions about the overall environment at the network. Investigators have also been asking questions about mysterious confidants of Ailes — people who were known inside Fox as “friends of Roger.”
If the federal government, under President Trump, is investigating Fox News for potential crimes, then the cable network must really be in trouble. While the network’s problems have been mainly PR related, potential federal crimes could blow the door wide open.
While there is little doubt the left led the charge to get Bill O’Reilly fired, the DOJ is run by the Trump administration, suggesting that any investigation into Fox News’ actions would not be politically motivated.
How serious do you think this potential investigation into Fox News could be? Share your thoughts below!