Roger Ailes Brags About Women He Helped in Fox News Exit Letter

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Roger Ailes stepped down as chairman and CEO of Fox News Channel on Thursday amid a sexual harassment scandal, but he used his farewell letter to Rupert Murdoch to pat himself on the back for helping women.

“I am proud that we have built Fox News and Fox Business Channels into powerful and lucrative news organizations,” Ailes wrote in the letter, first obtained by Drudge Report. “I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions.”

Ailes continued: “Many of these talented journalists have deservedly become household names known for their intelligence and strength, whether reporting the news, fair and balanced, and offering exciting opinions on our opinion programs.”

Also Read: Roger Ailes Out at Fox News Channel

Ailes wrote that Fox News is the No. 1 network in all of cable because he “consistently identified and promoted the most talented men and women in television, and they performed at the highest levels.”

Ailes explained that he will not allow himself to become a distraction, and is confident that Fox News will thrive going forward.

“I am proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to work with you as a consultant in building 21st Century Fox,” Ailes wrote to end the letter.

Also Read: Fox News' Top Publicist Barred From Talking to Roger Ailes, Press (Report)

Ailes exits after “Real Story” host Gretchen Carlson accused him of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed on July 6. Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox swiftly opened an investigation into the claims against Ailes.

Carlson’s lawsuit claims Ailes sexually propositioned her, then fired her in retaliation after she complained about discrimination and harassment. Ailes has called her claims “false” and “offensive,” and promised a vigorous defense.

Until a permanent replacement for the decades-long chairman is named, Murdoch has taken the reins of Fox News and Fox Business.

The Evolution of Roger Ailes, From 'The Mike Douglas Show' to Fox News Innovator (Photos)

The television executive has evolved from producing a talk-variety show to running one of the biggest satellite news television channel in the U.S.
Fox News
Born and raised in Ohio, Roger Ailes attended Ohio University as a young man, majoring in radio and television. During his time there, he served as station manager for the university's WOUB radio for two years.
Ohio University
Ailes worked his way up to executive producer on the syndicated daytime talk show "The Mike Douglas Show," which began as a local program in Cleveland before expanding nationwide.
Westinghouse Broadcasting Company
In 1968, Ailes got an Emmy nod when "The Mike Douglas Show" was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Daytime Programming, ultimately losing to NBC's "Today" show.
After first meeting Richard Nixon on the set of "The Mike Douglas Show," Ailes was hired by the then-presidential candidate to be his media advisor during the campaign, which marked his first professional foray into politics.
Ailes continued consulting on presidential campaigns, serving as media consultant for three successful Republicans: Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.
Ailes produced the famous "revolving door" ad for Bush, which painted Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis as soft on crime. The piece was widely regarded as the most influential ad of the political cycle.
In 1988, Ailes co-authored a self-help book with Jon Kraushar. "You Are the Message" shared Ailes' tips for effective communication and public performances.
Simon and Schuster
In 1992, Ailes served as executive producer on a syndicated late-night talk show hosted by right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh, which ran for four years before coming to an end in 1996.
Ailes Productions
Ailes was named president of CNBC in 1993, where he launched the new cable network America's Talking, which was shut down and replaced with future Fox News competitor MSNBC.
America's Talking
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch hired Ailes to serve as founding CEO and Chariman of the Fox News Channel in 1996, which soon grew to become the most popular cable news network in the country.
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In 2016, Ailes was accused of sexual harassment by ousted Fox News host Gretchen Carlson. In July, Carlson filed a lawsuit against Ailes, claiming years of inappropriate behavior and sexual advances.
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On July 20, 2016, Ailes was forced to resign from Fox News amid the growing outcry over the sexual harassment allegations.
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Ailes died on May 18, 2017 at age 77.