Fox News confirms firing of top exec

NEW YORK Fox News Channel has confirmed the termination of a high-ranking employee for what it described as "financial irregularities."

The network said Wednesday that executive vice president Brian Lewis was dismissed late last month. He had been a long-time lieutenant to Roger Ailes, the network's founder and chief executive.

A company statement said Lewis was fired after "an extensive internal investigation" turned up "issues relating to financial irregularities" as well as "significant breaches of his employment contract." No specific detail was released.

News of Lewis' firing was first published Tuesday by The Hollywood Reporter.

Lewis couldn't be reached for comment.