Ethical Issues At Fox News Channel

Businesses have a social responsibility to provide equal opportunities for their employees no matter their sex, race, age, nationality, and religion. Yet, abusive behavior is the highest ranking ethical issue in the business world. Women in media are seen as objects. Businesses that need a face for their company may be more obligated to hire a woman for their beauty. However, this is no news for Roger Ailes, former CEO of Fox News. In June of this year, “Fox & Friends” co-host, Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit on Ailes for sexual harassment. She claims that since she joined the Fox News team there have been more than one sexual harassment encounter made towards her since 2009. Fox News Channel is a basic cable and news channel in the

It began with one of her co-hosts, Steve Doocy. Doocy engaged in sexist behavior by putting his hands on her and even some other gestures on live TV. When Carlson went to address the issue to Ailes, his response was telling her that she needed to learn how to get “along with the boys” (Chappell). The workplace for Gretchen Carlson became a serious sexist environment. Her actions to address the issue to Ailes led her to a demotion of not being able to construct big interviews. Though, in 2013, the sexual harassment did not stop there. She lost her co-hosting job that also included a pay cut after the renewal of her contract in June. However, she was given her own segment called, “The Real Story With Gretchen Carlson,” (Roig-Franzia) but during an afternoon slot that brought in less viewers. The demotion and pay cut was all due to refusal of sexual advances from Ailes. According to the lawsuit report, Ailes had given her hints of advancement in her career if she took advantage of his invitations. Also, when Carlson went to confront him about his allegations in September, he replied, according to the report and NPR, “I think you and I should have had a sexual relationship a long time ago. Sometimes problems are easier to solve that way” (Chappell). It was after that meeting that Carlson decided to give her attorney a

Gretchen Carlson was also rewarded with $20 million for resolution of the lawsuit. Carlson also responded to 21st Century Fox’s apology by saying, “I’m ready to move on to the next chapter of my life in which I will redouble my efforts to empower women in the workplace” (Chappell). Gretchen Carlson was brave to come forward about the harassment she endured at Fox News. The business world is overpowered by men, and many women before her may have kept their harassment stories to themselves due to the fact that men run the workplace. Business has been this way since the beginning. Although, within recent years, women are making their way to the top and prevailing their importance in the world of business. Once Gretchen went public with her story, upmost of 25 other women spoke out against Roger Ailes. Gretchen was not his first victim of harassment in the workplace. However, now that he has resigned from his position and that the public knows of his wrongdoing, hopefully she will be his