READ.  As long as Fox retained O'Reilly, Fox couldn't close the purchase of the British network that stood to make the network tens of millions with new viewership.  18 million is a mere pittance to rid themselves of the PIG.  They lost nearly all of their sponsors.  Most of their staff abandoned ship.  It was get rid of O'Reilly or fold up the tent.  No doubt, this was not a moral decision on the part of Rupert Murdoch.  ALL about the money.