Fox’s executives are waiting and watching, anticipating that more women will come forward with allegations against O’Reilly.

Other people in and around the cable news channel are also wondering about that — and asking if any advertisers will avoid “The O’Reilly Factor” as a result of the scandal. A related question: will O’Reilly’s viewers care about the controversy?

Murdoch associates winced on Saturday when The New York Times reported that five women received settlement payouts after accusing O’Reilly of harassment or verbal abuse. The Times said its reporting “suggests a pattern:” O’Reilly would wield his influence to “pursue sexual relationships” with women at Fox.

The story stung, but it was not surprising. For one thing, Fox executives and O’Reilly’s representatives had known the Times investigation was in the works for months.