The Godfather of conservative cable television Ailes dies at 77
Roger Ailes, the former chairman and CEO of Fox News, has died at his home in West Palm Beach. Ailes, was 77 and at this time his cause of death is not known. The Palm Beach Post reported that Ailes fell, hit his head and was seriously bleeding 8 days before death.
Ailes left Fox News last year after a slew of sexual harassment claims. He was given a $40 million payment to leave the network.
His impact on television and in politics puts him at the top of list of media masters. He turned politics into entertainment and was the most important figure in the cable news history.
He created Fox News, a conservative cable news network that at the time was just what the country needed. He taped into a network that was the only home for a growing conservative audience.
Ailes, was a strong willed man who made Fox News the home for Republican politics. He dove the conversation about issues he felt that needed to be addressed from a conservative angle.
Ailes’ death was first reported by The Drudge Report. Ailes’ wife, Elizabeth Ailes, released the following statement:
“I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning. Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many. He was also a patriot, profoundly grateful to live in a country that gave him so much opportunity to work hard, to rise — and to give back. During a career that stretched over more than five decades, his work in entertainment, in politics, and in news affected the lives of many millions. And so even as we mourn his dead, we celebrate his life.”
Ailes, was the first head of CNBC and was involved in the concept of launching of MSNBC. He was deemed too conservative for the new outlet. Ailes, made a pitch to Fox to launch a conservative news network.
Ailes was a media consultant for Republican presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush. He crafted their message and was a critical part of each of those presidents. Ailes, made sure of their true voices got through to the voters.
Ailes’ career in television began in Cleveland and Philadelphia, where was part The Mike Douglas Show. He began as a production assistant and finished as the program’s executive producer.
Video from Fox News
