Roger Ailes will get a severance package worth more than $40 million for resigning from Fox News on Thursday amid a sexual harassment lawsuit — and he will remain a consultant to the network through 2018.
The figure was reported by
The Wall Street Journal, which cited "a person familiar with the matter." No further details were reported.
Both Fox News and the Journal are owned by News Corporation, which is headed by Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch.
The company also owns 21st Century Fox, which announced Ailes' resignation.
Murdoch, 85, will assume the role of Fox News chairman and acting CEO.
In his letter of resignation, Mr. Ailes didn't address the sexual harassment claims but told Murdoch that "I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations that inform our audience and reward our shareholders.
"I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions," he said.
"I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry," Ailes said.
Ailes' $40 million figure
was first reported Tuesday by Drudge Report, which posted a document that was purported to be part of Ailes' agreement.
But Fox had quickly denied the report.
Ailes resignation ended a tumultuous three weeks since former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, 50, filed a lawsuit against the longtime Republican consultant on July 6 alleging sexual harassment and discrimination.
21st Century Fox began an investigation — and 10 other women reportedly have come forward to allege harassment by Ailes.
New York magazine reported Tuesday that Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly told investigators that Ailes had harassed her when she was a reporter 10 years ago.
Ailes has denied harassing both Carlson and Kelly.