Roger Ailes Net Worth

The Rise and Fall of Roger Ailes: Net Worth, Salary, and Legacy

Introduction

Roger Ailes, a name synonymous with the rise of conservative media in the United States, left an indelible mark on the television landscape. His career, marked by both unprecedented success and controversy, culminated in a net worth reflecting his significant impact. This article delves into Roger Ailes’ financial standing, exploring his net worth, salary, and the real estate holdings that solidified his wealth. We’ll also examine the pivotal moments of his career, from his early days in television to his controversial departure from Fox News.

Early Career and Political Consulting

Roger Ailes’ journey began after graduating from Ohio University. He entered the industry as a production assistant on “The Mike Douglas Show.” Over six years, he advanced, showcasing his talent and earning a Daytime Emmy nomination. His understanding of television’s influence caught the attention of Richard Nixon, leading to Ailes’ role as Executive Producer for Nixon’s TV appearances. This marked the beginning of Ailes’ involvement in Republican politics, serving as a consultant for several election bids, including that of Donald Trump decades later. His venture into theater productions, however, proved to be less successful.

CNBC and the Fox News Vision

In 1993, Ailes was appointed President of CNBC, a financial news network. His tenure was relatively short-lived, and he moved on to a more significant project. In 1996, Rupert Murdoch, the president of News Corp, invited Ailes to create a new channel: the Fox News Channel. Ailes’ vision was to create a conservative-leaning news outlet that would challenge the existing media landscape. He served as the President of Fox News Channel and the Chairman of the Fox Television Stations Group until 2016.

Fox News Salary and Financial Success

Roger Ailes’ financial success was directly tied to the popularity of Fox News. In June 2015, he signed a multi-year contract ensuring his presence at Fox News beyond 2016. From roughly 2004 to 2016, Ailes consistently earned $20 million per year, with $5 million as a base salary and the remaining $15 million from stock options and bonuses. Between 2004 and 2016, his total compensation from News Corp was a minimum of $240 million before taxes. His contract also provided him with security services, a full-time driver, and the News Corp corporate jet for business travel. Fox News, under Ailes’ leadership, brought unprecedented popularity and power to the network, especially after the September 11th attacks, becoming a significant profit center for the company. In 2014 alone, Fox News contributed 18% of 21st Century Fox’s total profits, generating around $2 billion per year from advertising revenue. He was ultimately fired in 2016 amidst accusations of sexual harassment, receiving a $40 million severance package.

Real Estate Portfolio

Ailes’ real estate portfolio was a testament to his financial success. In October 2016, a year before his death, Ailes purchased a 10,000 square foot oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, for $36 million in cash. Relocating to Florida provided a legal advantage, as the state’s laws protect a homeowner’s primary residence from forced sale to satisfy judgments. He had previously owned property in Palm Beach County, including a beachfront condo on Singer Island, which he sold to Neil Cavuto for $525,000 in 2003. Ailes also owned properties in New York and New Jersey, including multiple homes in Putnam County, NY.

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Fall from Grace and Legacy

In 2016, Ailes’ career took a dramatic turn. Accusations of sexual harassment from several women, including former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, led to his resignation. He denied the allegations but was ultimately forced to step down. The scandal also resulted in the departure of other high-profile figures like Bill O’Reilly and Megyn Kelly. Despite the controversies, Ailes’ legacy remains significant. He is credited with revolutionizing cable news and shaping the modern conservative media landscape. His impact on American politics and media is undeniable.

Personal Life and Death

Roger Ailes was married three times and had one child. He was a prominent figure in Republican politics and was known for his conservative views. He authored several books, including “You Are the Message: Getting What You Want by Being Who You Are” and “The Fox News Factor: The Inside Story of Roger Ailes and the Rise of Fox News.” Ailes passed away on May 18, 2017, at the age of 77. His death was attributed to complications from a subdural hematoma. His wife, Elizabeth, revealed that Ailes had hemophilia and was plagued by obesity and arthritis.

Conclusion

Roger Ailes’ life was a study in contradictions. He achieved remarkable success in the media industry, amassing a substantial net worth and shaping the political discourse. However, his career was also marred by controversy. His legacy remains complex, marked by both admiration and criticism. His impact on the media landscape is undeniable, making him one of the most influential figures of his time.

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