Skip to content

Our 2024 Print Your Own Calendar is now on sale! Buy now!

Roger Ailes was born on May 15, 1940. He became a major figure in American television, playing a big role in shaping news broadcasting. His career spanned decades, during which he founded and led Fox News.

Ailes influenced how news is presented on TV, making a lasting impact. Despite his success, he faced controversies that marked his career. Roger Ailes’s life story combines significant achievements and challenging moments.

Early Years of Roger Ailes

Roger Ailes was born in Warren, Ohio. His childhood was not ordinary. He grew up with hemophilia, a medical condition that made his life challenging.

Despite this, Ailes had a strong determination to move on. He attended Warren G. Harding High School. There, he became interested in radio and television. His passion for media grew quickly.

After high school, Roger Ailes attended Ohio University in Athens, where he studied radio and television. He worked at the school’s radio station and directed a television show during college. These experiences shaped his broadcasting skills. His education laid the foundation for his future in television.

Roger Ailes: A Grounbraker in Television

Roger Ailes started his television career in the early 1960s. He first worked on ‘The Mike Douglas Show, ‘ a popular TV talk show. His talent was clear, and he quickly became the show’s executive producer. Ailes was only 28 then, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.

In the 1980s, Ailes moved into politics. He became a media consultant for several presidents, including Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. His work in political broadcasting was groundbreaking. Ailes combined his media savvy with political strategy, changing how political campaigns were run on TV.

The biggest leap in Ailes’s career came in 1996. He founded Fox News Channel. Under his leadership, Fox News reshaped cable news. It became a dominant force in American media.

Ailes’s vision for Fox News was unique. He focused on a mix of news and opinion programming. This approach was new and soon became highly successful.

Ailes’s impact on television and political broadcasting was huge. He had many innovative ideas. His work influenced how news is presented and consumed. Roger Ailes’s success in television is a testament to his skills and vision.

Interesting Facts About Roger Ailes

Early Career Start: Roger Ailes began working in television after college, showing his early dedication to the field.

Playwright Pursuits: Ailes once tried his hand at theater, writing the off-Broadway play “The Hot l Baltimore.”

Award Recognition: He earned several Emmy Awards for his work on ‘The Mike Douglas Show.’

A Presidential Advisor: Ailes played a key role in advising Richard Nixon on how to present himself on television.

Pioneering Techniques: He took part in developing the ‘Orchestra Pit Theory‘ in political communication, focusing on sensationalism in news.

Authorship: Ailes co-authored a book titled “You Are the Message,” providing insights into effective communication.

Business Ventures: Beyond media, he explored other business opportunities, including owning a television station in Cleveland.

Lifetime Achievement: In 2013, Ailes was awarded the Warren Lifetime Achievement Award from his high school alma mater, recognizing his contributions to broadcasting.

Featured Image: "roger ailes".

Also on this date...

Calendar