Fox News has announced that Bob Beckel will not be returning to the network. Mediaite reported and a Fox News spokesperson confirmed he will not be back on “The Five.” It has also been reported that the departure was “amicable.”
Beckel has been absent from his regular post as a panelist on “The Five” since mid-February. His absence was originally explained by Fox that it was due to recovery from back surgery.
In May, however, they announced that he had been admitted to a rehabilitation facility for an addiction to the pain medication he was taking during the recovery.
The only liberal on the ratings-leading program “The Five,” Beckel often appeared on “The O’Reilly Factor” to give an opposing view, as well. Very controversial due to his progressive views and terse manner, Beckel had worked for the network for 15 years.
Prior to that, Beckel worked as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Carter administration and he was the national campaign manager for Walter Mondale’s failed Presidential bid against Ronald Reagan.
His presence at Fox News will surely be missed.
UPDATE (2:53 PM):
Fox News, which is said to have supported Beckel for years as he dealt with multiple addiction issues, has released a statement on the liberal host’s departure. According to Bill Shine, Executive Director of Programming, in a statement emailed to IJReview:
“We tried to work with Bob for months, but we couldn’t hold The Five hostage to one man’s personal issues. He took tremendous advantage of our generosity, empathy and goodwill and we simply came to the end of the road with him. Juan Williams and Geraldo Rivera will be among those rotating on the show for the near future.”
With Beckel’s departure, the search begins for a full-time replacement.
Poster Comment:
I am so disappointed by this announcement. I liked Beckel. He was the epitome of what Democrats used to be. He was jovial and had a sense of humor. That added so much to the group. Juan Williams and Geraldo? Seriously? Can't stand either one of them. Fox, you have destroyed the group's dynamic with this move.
