Bill O'Reilly

A conservative firebrand who raised hackles for many outrageous statements and positions, cable news host Billy O'Reilly rode the wave of controversy to rating success with his highly-rated cable shout-fest "The O'Reilly Factor" (Fox News, 1996-2017), and was for many years undoubtedly one of cable news' most prominent anchors who also found success in other mediums. Earning both praise and scorn for his pugnacious populism, O'Reilly brought an Everyman persona to the elite world of Washington politics and used his blunt, provocative interview style to become one of the most feared anchors on cable television. Whether battling Phil Donahue, Al Franken, John Stewart, or even family members of 9/11 victims, O'Reilly made a career out of asking sharp, aggressive questions, cutting off guests, and making people in high places uncomfortable and agitated. Along the way, he had many brushes with controversy, as happened in 2004 when he was sued by a former producer for harassment. But he stood head and shoulders over the competition, hosting cable television's highest-rated show, while also becoming a best-selling author many times over with The No Spin Zone (2001), Who's Looking Out for You? and Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot (2012), among other titles. More accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct emerged in 2016 and 2017. Following an internal review by Fox News, the decision was made that O'Reilly would not return to the air, bringing an end to his long-running show.