Food Network’s official stance on Paula Deen is that her contract is not being renewed at the end of the month. And since I understand they are also pulling all her shows off the air, that’s a pretty strong statement.
That said, I’ve got thirty years in media, with a good portion of it covered under contract. Not having a contract renewed, while not being fired in the strictest sense of the word, is essentially the same thing. You’re still being told by your employer that you’re not welcome at work on Monday.
We don’t know the exact details of, and reasons for, Palin’s departure from FNC the first time. And unless either side cares to reveal them, that’s for the best.
I believe that we have no reason to think that Palin was fired, zero reason, and that we all know that Paula Dean WAS fired.
There is a difference between not even having the chance to renew your contract, a la Paula Deen, and being unable to come to an agreement in a negotiation, a la Sarah Palin.