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Former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes has passed away at the age of 77. According to his wife, the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Fox News who resigned last July following allegations of sexual harassment has died.
Roger Ailes Cause Of Death: How Did Former Fox News CEO Die?
Roger Ailes’s Net Worth as of 2017: $100 Million
How did Ailes amass his fortune? Let’s explore.
1960s-1970s
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Ailes began his career in television in 1962 with KYW-TV. His first job was as a property assistant before he was promoted to producer and executive producer for the channel. He served in this role until 1968.
During this time, one of Ailes’ programs – The Mike Douglas Show – earned a daytime Emmy Award. One of the show’s most notable moments was a frank interview with Richard Nixon. Later, Nixon would even serve as the executive producer for Ailes’ show.
Nixon’s election victory would push Ailes into the world of politics.
1980-1995
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Ailes was credited for helping George H.W. Bush win the White House in 1988. The newsman scripted and produced Revolving Door, an ad that is today considered one of the driving forces behind Bush’s victory over Michael Dukakis. Ailes also handled all of the broadcast shows of Bush along with the campaigns.
Ailes is also responsible for the Orchestra Pit Theory, which coupled sensationalism with political coverage. After the failure in Richard Thornburgh campaign in November 1991, he withdrew from political counseling. He continued to work as behind the scene as a speech writer. However, Ailes did not work in the George Bush campaigns against Bill Clinton.
1996-2015
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Ailes became CEO of Fox News in 1996. Under his leadership, Fox News doubled down on its Republican leanings while giving voice to controversial but undeniably popular figures such as Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck.
In 2002, Fox News surpassed CNN as the most-watched news network. In 2005, Ailes was named the chairman of Fox Television after the network experienced steady growth in reach and leaps in the ratings. At its peak, Fox News was worth more than $15 billion, making it one of the most profitable underneath the 21st Century Fox umbrella.
In 2012, with Fox News reaching 95 million households in the U.S., Ailes’ contract was renewed for for more years. This deal included a base annual salary of $7 million that rose to as much as $21 million when incentives and stock options were considered.
2016 – Present
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In July 2016, Ailes left Fox News after a slew of sexual harassment claims. He was given a $40 million severance package to leave the network.
On May 18, 2017, Ailes passed away at the age of 77.
Roger Ailes Quotes: Best Quotes & Most-Famous Sayings
