Fox News Founder Roger Ailes Dead At 77

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Roger Ailes, the founder and former CEO of Fox News, has died at the age of 77. Ailes started the company in 1996 and built it into a  politically influential power player but was relieved of his duties at Fox in July amidst several accusations of sexual misconduct by many women he employed.

Although no cause of death has yet to be reported, Ailes’ family confirmed his death in a statement. Fox News also confirmed the news in this on-air announcement and relayed a statement from Ailes’ wife, Elizabeth:

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.

Gabriel Sherman, a New York magazine journalist, recently tweeted out details surrounding Ailes’ death.

[h/t Uproxx]

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Matt’s love of writing was born during a sixth grade assembly when it was announced that his essay titled “Why Drugs Are Bad” had taken first prize in D.A.R.E.’s grade-wide contest. The anti-drug people gave him a $50 savings bond for his brave contribution to crime-fighting, and upon the bond’s maturity 10 years later, he used it to buy his very first bag of marijuana.