FORMER FOX EXECUTIVE DIES …
Mainstream media icon Roger Ailes – who was forced from his leadership post at Fox News last year after being accused of sexually harassing a former TV anchor – has passed away at the age of 77.
Ailes died in Palm Beach, Florida of complications from a subdural hematoma sustained when he fell and struck his head over a week ago.
Ailes’ death was announced in a statement issued by his wife, Elizabeth Ailes.
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 death, we celebrate his life…
Ailes led Fox News for two decades, transforming the network into the nation’s most dominant cable news source.
Arguably the most powerful man in American media, he lost his job last June after ex-host Gretchen Carlson accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward her. Carlson ultimately settled with Fox News’ parent company for $20 million.
Last month, Fox’s most popular primetime host – Bill O’Reilly – also lost his job with the network in connection with another sexual harassment scandal. Fox News’ parent company paid out an estimated $13 million to five different women to resolve the O’Reilly scandals.
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