Roger Ailes, who built Fox News into a money-making ratings powerhouse and force in U.S. politics before resigning in recent months following a sexual harassment scandal, has died at age 77.
Fox News, based in New York City, announced Ailes’s death on air, and cited a Drudge Report statement from his family.
There’s no immediate word on cause of death.
Ailes helped mould the cable channel, which went on air in 1996, when it began to air coverage critical of president Bill Clinton.
Former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Ailes last year, claiming sexual harassment. Other women also came forward with similar allegations directed at Ailes and men employed at the network, including prime star Bill O’Reilly, who was forced to resign.
Prior to his employment at Fox News, Ailes was involved in Republican politics for a half-century as a consultant.
Breaking News: Former Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes has died, his family announced. pic.twitter.com/AksPdNSZaI
— @FoxNews