Burns/FNW: More articles…
New York Magazine’s Daily Intelligencer writes about Eric Burns’ impending departure from Fox News Watch…
Just so you know, Burns, the spokesperson added, the reason they wanted to see other people was that Burns just wasn’t satisfying their needs anymore: “We didn’t feel the current talent would be capable of handling the new direction,” the spokeswoman told the Times. But Fox really can’t blame Burns for pining for them. After all, they are kind of great. Probably the best Burns will ever have. It must be hard for him, you know? The spokeswoman added. “Not having a contributor agreement renewed is something that’s very difficult to accept.”
Meanwhile the AP’s David Bauder writes about the story and interviews Burns…
Burns said new ideas were discussed in a meeting Feb. 1, although “nothing in the meeting indicated that I wouldn’t be part of it.” He was fired Feb. 4.
While surprised by the firing, Burns noted that he had been downgraded to Fox “contributor” last year, with a pay cut attached.
Burns has been host since 1998. During that time, he said, “our show editorially was left alone” and included perspectives from both the left and right. Fox News chief Roger Ailes would occasionally suggest topics, Burns said, but that was his right—and Ailes would do it knowing he could be criticized on his own network.
Update: And what are we to make of this?
Fox should shutup sometimes and just say no comment. Why be nasty about it?
“We didn’t feel the current talent would be capable of handling the new direction,” the spokeswoman told the Times. But Fox really can’t blame Burns for pining for them. After all, they are kind of great. Probably the best Burns will ever have. It must be hard for him, you know? The spokeswoman added. “Not having a contributor agreement renewed is something that’s very difficult to accept.”
The guy obviously likes working at FNC and feels hurt being dumped. On the other hand, WTF do you want Fox to do? Have employment at Fox for life?
Give the guy an explanation and that’s it. Move on. He’s had a good 10+ year run at FNC.
Comment by Lurker — February 11, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
Excellent points, Lurker.
Comment by Terance — February 11, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
And I bet they wished him well as they slammed the door shut. He is the nicest guy and really didn’t deserve this. MSNBC, get this guy a contract ASAP. I always enjoyed the media critiques on his show. I didn’t always agree, but it was thoughtful without being nasty which is more than you can say for most of the Fox News shows.
Comment by Jeri — February 12, 2008 @ 9:23 am