The sharp turn to the left dictated by the Murdoch children (I use the term deliberately) is already obvious, and it isn't just in the increasingly brazen editorializing of supposed "hard news" anchors such as Smith. Other, formerly reliable conservative commentators have clearly changed their tune, and the guests being called in as "experts" are increasingly lefties.
O'Reilly is "too big to fire," close to retirement, and not a conservative anyway. Sean is filthy rich and has income beyond the network and doesn't have to care.
If the Murdoch children were decent businessmen (they aren't) they'd realize that FNC has flourished because of content. But of course, they don't. They think people identify with "On Air Personalities" and that this connection keeps them viewing. They should have a look at Kelly's ratings vs. Hannity's if they seriously want to examine that theory. After the election, when people stop watching coverage for a while, expect FNC to slip into third place, never to return.
Hopefully Ailes will go to One America or some other currently fledgling network, and start over.
FNC is finished.
And now Shep has played the gay card, so Fox dare not fire him.