Harassment Crisis Builds at Fox News, Despite Its Swift Response; New York Times, 8/10/16

Michael M. Grynbaum, Emily Steel, Sydney Ember, New York Times; Harassment Crisis Builds at Fox News, Despite Its Swift Response:

"Of particular issue is a $3.15 million settlement that Laurie Luhn, a former booker at the network, said she received in 2011. In an interview with New York magazine, Ms. Luhn said that Mr. Ailes forced her into a yearslong sexual relationship.

Executives at 21st Century Fox have said they were only made aware of the settlement recently. On Wednesday, when asked to clarify exactly when it learned of it, the company declined to respond.

“One would hope that a $3 million settlement for sexual harassment would flow up the line to somebody in corporate management,” said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. “At least today, that kind of settlement should come to the attention of the audit committee of the board.”"

Donald and Eric Trump opine on sexual harassment — and draw fire; Washington Post, 8/2/16

Katie Zezima, Washington Post; Donald and Eric Trump opine on sexual harassment — and draw fire:

"In an interview with USA Today, Trump was asked what would happen if his daughter Ivanka were subjected to workplace harassment.

“I would like to think she would find another career or find another company if that was the case,” Trump said Monday evening...

Eric Trump, when asked about his father’s remarks, said sexual harassment in the workplace is an “absolute no-go” and “should be addressed and addressed strongly.” He said workplace harassment should be reported. Gretchen Carlson, the former Fox News television host whose lawsuit against Ailes in July led to other women coming forward — and his ultimate ouster — was among those who weighed in against the Trumps on Tuesday.

“Sad in 2016 we’re still victim blaming women. Trust me I’m strong. #StandWithGretchen,” Carlson wrote Tuesday morning on Twitter. She also retweeted supportive words from others, including a tweet from author Jenny Han, who wrote, “Anybody who would go up against arguably the biggest name in news media has a backbone made of steel.”"

Roger Ailes opts for secrecy, cowardice in face of Gretchen Carlson suit; Washington Post, 7/9/16

Erik Wemple, Washington Post; Roger Ailes opts for secrecy, cowardice in face of Gretchen Carlson suit:

"“It is repulsive that Ailes is trying to force this extremely serious matter into a secretive, rigged system where Ms. Carlson’s chances of getting justice are far lower even if everything she alleges is true,” notes Bland. “The problems of secrecy in arbitration are really highlighted in this case — you look at all of the women who have come forward with very similar stories, and you can see why Ailes would prefer to keep a lid on all of this by avoiding the public court system where the evidence becomes a matter of public record.” That’s something to keep in mind the next time Chris Wallace or Bret Baier gripes about breakdowns in government transparency.

Another thing to consider is that Carlson worked at Fox News for 11 years, presiding in some way over thousands of hours of programming. Over all those hours, Carlson was adjudged reliable and honest enough such that Ailes and his lieutenants placed their precious Fox News audience in her hands. Now, all of the sudden, she has become the source for her lawyers’ dissemination of “one false and defamatory statement after another.” Even you, Roger Ailes, can’t have it both ways."