Yesterday’s surprise announcement that Fox Corp. and News Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch would exit his role with the companies continues to create shockwaves throughout the industry. The news made Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy become retrospective on what Murdoch has meant to the media landscape.

“Over many decades no other individual has had such a tremendous impact on the media landscape as Rupert Murdoch. His contributions to the news industry across several continents have been enormous, helping to ensure a balanced and truly free media,” Ruddy said.

“Newsmax has benefited from his contributions and we will continue his efforts to promote a free press, a cornerstone to a free society.”

Ruddy launched Newsmax in 1998, positioning the network as a competitor to Fox News. The network has seen expansive growth in recent months, coinciding with the decision by Fox News to remove popular primetime host Tucker Carlson from its lineup.

While Murdoch announced his departure, he remained adamant that he would stay involved in both companies.

“I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas. Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community,” Murdoch wrote in his memo to employees announcing his departure.

After securing a spot in CNN’s primetime lineup, Abby Phillip is stepping away from her role as host of Inside Politics Sunday. Manu Raju will take her place, and begin hosting the show this week.

The network announced that Raju will make his debut on Sunday, September 24th at 11:00 AM ET.

Raju is no stranger to CNN. He has worked at the network since 2015. He joined the cable outlet after serving as a senior political reporter at Politico. Since joining CNN, Raju has risen to be the network’s chief congressional correspondent.

In recent weeks, Raju has filled in for Dana Bash on the weekday version of Inside Politics.

Manu Raju becomes the first Asian American host of the program, both the weekday and Sunday editions. The show began in 1992 and was originally hosted by Bernard Shaw and Catherine Crier. It has also been helmed by Judy Woodruff and John King in addition to Bash, who took the reins earlier this year.

In a surprising Thursday announcement, Fox Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch revealed he would step away from his leadership position with the company, leaving the executive role to his son, Lachlan. CNN anchor Jake Tapper was surprised by the news, but for cynical reasons.

While appearing at the Texas Tribune Festival, Tapper shared his belief that Rupert Murdoch still has a solid business plan built on outrage.

“I’m surprised because there are still so many lies left to tell. So many people left to confuse,” Tapper said. “He is somebody who figured out a long time ago that you can make a lot of money from the fact that news consumer behavior can be driven by fear and rage.”

Tapper has been an outspoken critic of Fox News, especially since its defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems was settled earlier this year. The CNN host famously chuckled while reading the network’s statement, saying “I’m sorry. This is going to be difficult to say with a straight face”.

While Rupert Murdoch has relinquished the title of Chairman of both Fox Corp. and News Corp., he maintains he will still be an active member of each company’s executive team.

“I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas. Our companies are communities, and I will be an active member of our community,” Murdoch wrote in his memo to employees announcing his departure.