Roger Ailes: A Transformative Figure In American Media (1940-2017)

Roger Ailes was a name synonymous with the evolution of cable news in the United States. His journey from a television producer to the architect of Fox News reflects a profound impact on media culture, political discourse, and audience engagement. Ailes' career was marked by both groundbreaking achievements and significant controversies, making him a complex figure in the history of American journalism.

Ailes began his career in television as a producer for The Mike Douglas Show, where he first showcased his talent for media manipulation and narrative shaping. His political acumen became apparent during Richard Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign, where he played a pivotal role in crafting the candidate's television presence. Over the years, Ailes would go on to influence the campaigns of notable figures like Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, ultimately rising to become the chief of the Fox News Channel in 1996.

Fox News quickly became a dominant force in the media landscape under Ailes' leadership. He emphasized opinionated reporting that resonated with a conservative audience, forever changing how news was presented on television. However, Ailes' tenure ended abruptly due to allegations of sexual harassment, leading to his resignation in 2016. His death in 2017 marked the end of a controversial yet impactful legacy in American media.

Table of Contents

• Who Was Roger Ailes?
• Early Years
• TV Producer and Political Adviser
• Fox News Empire
• Other Endeavors and Personal Life
• Departure From Fox and Death
• Quick Facts
• Fact Check
• Citation Information
• Quotes

Who Was Roger Ailes?

Roger Ailes was a pioneering figure in the world of television and news broadcasting. His ability to blend entertainment with political messaging transformed how news was consumed and perceived in America. Ailes' techniques in media strategy set a standard that many news networks would follow, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement and identity.

Early Years

Born on May 15, 1940, in Warren, Ohio, Ailes was the second of three children in a working-class family. His father, Robert Ailes, worked as a foreman, while his mother, Donna, was a housewife who supplemented the family income through embroidery. Despite facing health challenges, including hemophilia, Ailes was active in school and community activities, laying the foundation for his future career in television.

Education and Early Influences

Ailes attended Ohio University, where he majored in radio and television. His involvement as the student station manager of WOUB Radio provided him with crucial experience and insights into broadcasting. It was during these formative years that Ailes met Marjorie White, who would become his first wife in 1960.

TV Producer and Political Adviser

After graduating in 1962, Roger Ailes began his professional journey as a production assistant on The Mike Douglas Show. He quickly climbed the ranks to become the executive producer, showcasing his knack for recognizing and harnessing talent. A pivotal moment came during Nixon's 1968 campaign, where Ailes defended the significance of television in politics, earning the candidate's trust and eventually joining the campaign team.

Founding His Own Company

In 1969, Ailes established his consulting firm, which allowed him to advise various businesses and political figures. He ventured into film, television, and theater production, gaining recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed play The Hot l Baltimore. His attempts to create a conservative news network began with Television News Inc., which operated for a brief period in the 1970s.

Fox News Empire

With a desire to create a news channel that aligned with his conservative views, Ailes met Rupert Murdoch in the mid-1990s. Together, they launched the Fox News Channel on October 7, 1996, with Ailes as chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, Fox News quickly established itself as a prominent player in the media landscape, attracting top talent and generating significant viewer ratings.

Crafting a New Narrative

Ailes understood the importance of branding within a fragmented media environment. By promoting a “fair and balanced” approach, he successfully attracted a conservative audience while building a reputation for right-leaning coverage. His strategic risk-taking led to Fox News becoming the most-watched cable news network by 2002, significantly influencing American political discourse.

Other Endeavors and Personal Life

In addition to his work in television, Ailes authored the book You Are the Message: Secrets of the Master Communicators in 1988, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights. Following his first marriage to Marjorie White, Ailes remarried television producer Norma Ferrer in 1981 and later married Elizabeth Tilson in 1998, with whom he had a son, Zachary.

Community Involvement

Ailes remained connected to his roots by moving to Garrison, New York, where he purchased a local newspaper and transformed it into a conservative publication. He also supported his alma mater, Ohio University, by providing scholarships to students in the Scripps College of Communication.

Departure From Fox and Death

Despite the success of Fox News, Ailes faced increasing scrutiny regarding workplace behavior. In July 2016, former anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him, which prompted several other women to come forward with similar allegations. Ailes denied the allegations but eventually resigned from Fox News on July 21.

Following his resignation, Ailes continued to work as a consultant and advised Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Tragically, he passed away on May 18, 2017, from complications related to a fall at his home in Florida. His death marked the end of a controversial yet influential era in American journalism.

Quick Facts

Fact Check

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Citation Information

• Article Title: Roger Ailes Biography
• Author: Biography.com Editors
• Website Name: The Biography.com website
• Url: Biography.com
• Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
• Last Updated: June 29, 2020
• Original Published Date: May 19, 2017

Quotes

• “Entertainment and news should always be separate, but you should walk right up to the line and get your toe on it.”
• “I think the mainstream media thinks liberalism is the center of the road.”
• “I don’t ignore anything; somebody gets in my face, I get in their face.”