Roger Ailes

Roger Ailes
Sgt. Christopher Tobey · Public domain · source
Name	Roger Ailes
Birth date	May 15, 1940
Birth place	Warren, Ohio
Death date	May 18, 2017
Death place	Palm Beach, Florida
Occupation	Television executive, media consultant

Roger Ailes was a renowned American television executive, media consultant, and former Republican Party consultant. He is best known for his work as the founder and former CEO of Fox News, a position he held from 1996 to 2016. Ailes' career spanned multiple decades, with notable stints working with prominent figures such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. His influence on American politics and media was significant, with connections to various organizations, including the National Republican Congressional Committee and the American Crossroads.

● Early Life and Education

Ailes was born in Warren, Ohio, to Robert Ailes and Dorothy Ailes. He grew up in a Republican household and developed an interest in politics at a young age. Ailes attended Ohio University, where he studied radio and television production, and later worked at the university's WATH radio station. During his time at Ohio University, he was involved with the Delta Upsilon fraternity and developed skills that would later benefit his career in media and politics, including working with notable figures such as Lee Atwater and Karl Rove.

● Career

Ailes' career in media and politics began in the 1960s, working as a producer for The Mike Douglas Show, a popular television program that featured interviews with notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Frank Sinatra. He later worked as a media consultant for Richard Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign, helping to craft the candidate's public image and message. Ailes also worked with Ronald Reagan during his 1984 presidential campaign, and later advised George H.W. Bush during his 1988 presidential campaign. His work with these prominent politicians earned him recognition and respect within the Republican Party, including from notable figures such as Newt Gingrich and Trent Lott.

● Fox News and Later Career

In 1996, Ailes founded Fox News, a 24-hour news cycle cable news channel that would go on to become a major player in American media. As the CEO of Fox News, Ailes oversaw the development of the channel's programming, including popular shows such as The O'Reilly Factor, hosted by Bill O'Reilly, and Hannity & Colmes, hosted by Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes. Ailes also played a key role in shaping the channel's editorial tone and direction, which was often criticized for its perceived conservative bias. During his tenure at Fox News, Ailes worked with notable figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Lachlan Murdoch, and James Murdoch, and was involved in various high-profile controversies, including the News Corporation phone hacking scandal.

● Personal Life

Ailes was married twice, first to Marjorie White and later to Elizabeth Tilson. He had one son, Zachary Ailes, from his first marriage. Ailes was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to build relationships with powerful figures in politics and media, including Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani, and Chris Christie. He was also a longtime resident of New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, and was involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting the United Service Organizations and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

● Controversies and Legacy

Ailes' career was marked by numerous controversies, including allegations of sexual harassment and sexism at Fox News. In 2016, Ailes was accused of harassment by former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, which led to his resignation as CEO of the channel. Ailes was also criticized for his role in shaping the editorial tone of Fox News, which was often accused of promoting conservative and Republican ideologies. Despite these controversies, Ailes' legacy as a pioneering figure in American media and politics remains significant, with connections to notable figures such as Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, and Steve Bannon.

● Death and Aftermath

Ailes died on May 18, 2017, at the age of 77, due to complications from a subdural hematoma caused by a fall at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. His death was met with tributes from prominent figures in politics and media, including Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, and Sean Hannity. Ailes' legacy continues to be felt in American media and politics, with his influence evident in the programming and editorial tone of Fox News and other conservative media outlets, including Breitbart News and InfoWars. His impact on the Republican Party and American politics is also still evident, with connections to notable figures such as Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and Ted Cruz.