I'm speculating two things are going on here:
1)Ailes is obsessed with CNN and passing them in viewership. Since van Susteren has (reportedly) the second highest ratings among CNN's shows, he thinks that luring her away will be a minus for CNN, if not a plus for FNC. I believe, however, that he's taking a big risk because (as can be seen on FR) he's alienating a goodly number of Fox's strongest supporters with his signing up liberal grandstanders like Ms. Rivera and Mr. Susteren.
2) He's trying to get even with CNN for luring away Paula Zahn.
Geraldo has already significantly damaged Fox's credibility with his 'confused' friendly fire reporting. Ailes cannot afford another blunder like that. Let's face it, the rest of the media are out to get Fox, and ANY mistake or sloppiness in reporting will be magnified by Ailes' competitors in both broadcast in print media.
Regarding your two points re: Ailes: I'm hoping he has a larger vision than just trying to knock the snot out of CNN(although a worthy cause).
...he's taking a big risk because (as can be seen on FR) he's alienating a goodly number of Fox's strongest supporters...
True, but where else are we going to turn for our teevee news? How many of us will actually switch news channels because of this? Fox may be sliding to the left, but they're still the best we've got on the tube. Besides, taking risks is why he makes the big bucks?????????
Let's face it, the rest of the media are out to get Fox, and ANY mistake or sloppiness in reporting will be magnified...
Too true. But as long as they don't make any major blunders, each time Fox gets their name on the "Big Three" evening shows it's free advertising. FoxNews in the news!
I wondering what hand Rupert Murdoch may be playing in all this? Does he really allow Ailes to run FoxNews, or is he a "hands on" type of owner? I wonder how Fox's ad revenues compare with, say, CNN's or MSNBC's? Maybe Murdoch wants THEIR advertisers as well, as Fox's mostly conservative viewers are not prime candidates for "touchy-feely" ads? And why don't we(I) know the answers to these questions? Pi$$es my off!
Onward through the fog, be-baw.
FGS