Bill Shine resignation part of major executive shuffle at Fox News

Bill Shine, co-president of Fox News Channel for the past nine months, has resigned and will leave the company following a short transition period, the company announced Monday afternoon.

Mr. Shine has been with Fox News since it went on the air over two decades ago. The network has been the highest-rated cable channel for months, besting news rivals CNN and MSNBC, and beating non-news competition, such as ESPN and HGTV.

“This is a significant day for all at Fox News. Bill has played a huge role in building Fox News to its present position as the nation’s biggest and most important cable channel in the history of the industry. His contribution to our channel and our country will resonate for many years,” Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of 21st Century Fox, said in a statement.

The move follows several months of drama, including three lawsuits and a recent class action lawsuit, either alleging sexual harassment in the workplace or possible racial discrimination. Significant departures over the last year include Fox News founder Roger Ailes, plus prime time hosts Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly.

Attorneys for Gretchen Carlson — another Fox News host who left her post and filed a harassment lawsuit — applauded Mr. Shine’s departure as a “positive step” but suggested others who “enabled and encouraged the sexism” should follow.

In the meantime, Jack Abernethy remains as co-president of Fox News and CEO of Fox Television Stations. Current Executive Vice President Suzanne Scott assumes the role of president of programming for the network; she has been with Fox News since 1996 in multiple production and creative areas.

Jay Wallace, executive vice president of news, becomes president of news; he also joined the network in 1996.

“Suzanne and Jay are recognized industry leaders. They have both played a large part in assembling the deepest bench of talented broadcasters and journalists. They will lead Fox News to an even more successful future,” Mr. Murdoch said.

Additional appointments also include Brian Jones, now president of Fox Business Network; Amy Listerman as new CFO of Fox News; and current human resources chief Kevin Lord, who will take on the additional duties as head of compliance, reporting to Gerson Zweifach, chief corporate counsel of 21st Century Fox.