Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News

Fox News has announced the departure of Tucker Carlson, its highest-rated host. The network said it had “parted ways” with Carlson, who is credited with setting the agenda for US conservatives, and that his primetime slot would be filled by interim hosts until a permanent replacement is found. No reason was given for the decision. 

Carlson’s blend of populist conservative takes on issues such as immigration, crime, race, gender and sexuality had made him influential, with his programme accounting for four of the top 10 rated programmes on US cable TV, according to Nielsen data. 

However, the news came just days after Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit from Dominion, the voting machine company. Carlson’s show had been cited by Dominion’s attorneys as containing defamatory content.