Key dates in Roger Ailes’ Fox News tenure and departure
Roger Ailes founded Fox News in October 1996 and led the network as president until July 2016, when he resigned amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. His departure followed a period of intense internal scrutiny, public investigations, and leadership changes. Below is a timeline of the most consequential dates and events related to his exit.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| October 1996 | Launch of Fox News Channel | Ailes co-founded the network and shaped its opinion-driven format. |
| 2013–2016 | Internal complaints and external investigations | Multiple allegations of harassment prompted reviews and impacted credibility. |
| July 1, 2016 | Ailes resigns as chairman and president | He formally left Fox News amid continued scrutiny and loss of executive confidence. |
| July 2016 onward | Andrew Heyward and later Suzanne Scott lead Fox News | Transition to new leadership after Ailes’ exit. |
Roger Ailes’ role in building Fox News
Roger Ailes created Fox News as a response to perceived bias in national news and cultivated a brand centered on conservative commentary and debate. Under his leadership, the network achieved high viewership and cultural influence, becoming a central voice in U.S. political media. His departure marked the end of an era for the organization he built.
Context for the 2016 allegations
In 2016, multiple women publicly accused Ailes of sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. Networks including CNN and The New York Times reported on these claims, and Ailes denied some allegations while acknowledging he had engaged in discussions about settlements with former employees. The cumulative effect of these reports contributed to a loss of trust both inside and outside the company.
Immediate corporate response
Fox News and 21st Century Fox launched internal reviews and hired outside counsel to investigate the claims. Several senior executives were reassigned, and the company faced pressure from advertisers and partners. The environment led Ailes to conclude that his continued presence would hinder the network’s operations and brand recovery.
Formal departure and transition
On July 1, 2016, Ailes submitted his resignation as chairman and president of Fox News. He remained with the company in an advisory capacity for a brief period while a search for new leadership began. Andrew Heyward was named president of Fox News, and later Suzanne Scott became the leading executive overseeing the channel’s operations.
Aftermath and legacy
After leaving Fox News, Ailes stepped away from active media management and rarely made public appearances. Fox News implemented new policies, governance structures, and training programs aimed at improving workplace culture. The network continued high-profile programming but also faced ongoing questions about its culture and standards in the years following his exit.