Fox News Preempts Beck's Friday Show For Sex Scandal Special, Reportedly Cite His Advertiser Woes

Following a series of increasingly hostile public exchanges, Glenn Beck's “transition” off of Fox News was announced back in April. Fox recently confirmed that Beck's final show will take place on June 30.

More than 300 advertisers excluded their ads from Glenn Beck's Fox News program since late July 2009 when he called President Obama a “racist” who has a “deep-seated hatred for white people.” Subsequent to news of Beck's departure, The New York Times reported that Fox News saw “the refusal of hundreds Fox advertisers” to place ads on Beck as an issue.

This Friday, Fox News is preempting Beck's 5pm show to air a special focused on political sex scandals hosted by Greta Van Susteren. Deadline has more (emphasis added):

The move comes on the day Beck announced the September relaunch of his show on the Web as part of live streaming video network GBTV which will charge viewers monthly subscription as well as seek advertisers. Asked about the timing of Glenn Beck's preemption, Fox News spokeswoman denied any correlation but said, “At least we will be able to sell the special,” a reference to the mass exodus of advertisers from Beck's show over his controversial remarks.

For additional information, take a look at this Media Matters report that illustrates the cost of Glenn Beck's advertiser losses.