Fox News Founder and Longtime CEO Roger Ailes Is Dead

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

From Esquire

Roger Ailes, the founder and former CEO of Fox News, is dead, according to his family. He was 77. The one-time Republican political operative launched the right-wing cable news network in 1996 and helmed it for two decades before he was forced out last year amid a deluge of allegations that he sexually harassed women in the workplace. Ailes denied the claims. Under his leadership, Fox rose to become the number one network in cable news and a hugely formidable force in conservative politics. Behind on-air talent like Bill O'Reilly-also forced out recently amid sexual harassment allegations-and Megyn Kelly, Ailes' network fundamentally reshaped the American political landscape. Along the way, he became one of the most powerful men in America.

The news comes via a statement from his wife, Elizabeth Ailes:

This post will be updated.

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