NYT
Research Firm’s Founder Explains $6 Million Payment to Fired Forbes Editor
Monday, August 24, 2026
RJ Shook, founder of Shook Research, said he paid Randall Lane, former editor-in-chief of Forbes, $6 million for "services and guidance" related to partnering with Forbes and subsequently selling the research firm. Lane was fired from Forbes in 2024. Shook did not specify the nature of the services provided or the timeline of the payment.
Original reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/24/business/media/forbes-randall-lane-shook.html