It's a bit like chess, ya better be able to see a few moves ahead before making your own. This gets them out of a very bad situation quickly but paying them off with such a huge amount and with the evidence that came to light has risks and I outlined them. Trying to sue foxnews is a tough challenge even if you win a huge settlement at trial, you might not see it for many years. Fox wants to avoid a trial and public exposure though, because I'm pretty sure congress will act if the democrats win, new fox trials or not.
Obama went after foxnews years ago and all the media companies sprang to their defense, including CNN, post J6 I don't think that will be the case anymore.