Fox Corporation Executive Chairman and CEO Lachlan Murdoch on Monday sent a memo to employees declaring “black lives matter” in the wake of the nationwide riots spurred from the police custody death of George Floyd.
“The events that have unfolded over the past week have left me shocked and saddened,” Mr. Murdoch wrote. “Each of you has been in my thoughts as we watch the tragic death of George Floyd continue to cause immense pain and spark important discussions around the country. It is essential that we grieve with the Floyd family, closely listen to the voices of peaceful protest and fundamentally understand that black lives matter.”
“The FOX culture embraces and fosters diversity and inclusion,” he contiuned. “Often we speak of the ‘FOX Family,’ and never has the need to depend on and care for that family been more important. We support our Black colleagues and the Black community, as we all unite to seek equality and understanding.”
Mr. Murdoch also praised Fox’s “brave” local and national reporters who “continue to put themselves at risk” by covering the violence, and he promised to “do what we can to protect their safety and denounce calls for, and acts of, violence against them.”
“This is a time for people to come together in their grief, work to heal, and coalesce to address injustice and inequity in our country,” he wrote.
Later Monday, the Fox broadcast network started its prime-time programming with a 12-second moment of silence and a message of solidarity with “Black Lives Matter.”
“We condemn all racism and discrimination and proudly support our Black colleagues, viewers, partners and neighbors,” the message said, Deadline reported. “We stand with them and communities seeking inclusion and understanding. Black Lives Matter.”
The message came two days after Fox News reporter Leland Vittert was attacked and chased by protesters outside the White House as part of nationwide unrest following the May 25 death of Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis Police custody.
