I think there is a connection - Sheperd Smith's producer Jay Wallace was named recently exe.producer of the entire news operation. By proxy Sheperd Smith has taken over it.
Yikes, what a horrid management decision. I just finished reading the article you linked above, about Roger Ailes.
Roger, quite full of himself if you ask me, states that no matter who replaces him, nothing will change at Fox News, because he has built such a long bench there.
I'd like anyone who thinks that to take a look at Laura Ingraham's radio ratings from this week.
Fox News can take their 10 year anniversary celebration and shove it. They won't stay on top long with Shep Smith's producer in charge.