Fox News founder Roger Ailes dead at 77

FORMER Fox News founder and chief executive Roger Ailes has died. He was 77.

Former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes has died aged 77. Picture: AFP

FORMER Fox News founder and CEO Roger Ailes has died. He was 77.

The New York Post reports that his wife, Elizabeth, issued a statement announcing his death, which was confirmed by Fox News.

“I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning,” the statement reads.

Breaking News: Former Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes has died, his family announced. pic.twitter.com/AksPdNSZaI

— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 18, 2017

It continues: “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.”

Former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes walking with his wife Elizabeth Tilson. Picture: AFP

He worked at Fox for 20 years, and during his time there, transformed it into a $US3 billion ($4 billion) political juggernaut — making the conservative network the most successful cable news channel in TV history.

After serving at the helm of Fox for 20 years, Ailes resigned from his post last July in wake of allegations that he sexually harassed female colleagues, including former Fox anchors Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly, and others. The Ohio-born Ailes vehemently denied the accusations.

TMZ reports that Ailes fell at his Florida home eight days ago and his condition worsened before being put in an induced coma.

In his 2013 biography Roger Ailes Off Camera, Ailes said he knew he didn’t have long left to live.

“My doctor told me that I’m old, fat, and ugly, but none of those things is going to kill me immediately,” he said just before his 72nd birthday. “The actuaries say I have six to eight years. The best tables give me 10. Three thousand days, more or less.”

Former Chairman & CEO, Fox News Roger Ailes speaking onstage during the 2006 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour. Picture: AFP

“Because of my hemophilia, I’ve been prepared to face death all of my life. As a boy I spent a lot of time in hospitals. My parents had to leave at the end of visiting hours, and I spent a lot of time just lying there in the dark, thinking about the fact that any accident could be dangerous or even fatal. So I’m ready,” he said.

“Everybody fears the unknown. But I have a strong feeling there’s something bigger than us. I don’t think all this exists because some rocks happened to collide. I’m at peace. When it comes, I’ll be fine, calm. I’ll miss life, though. Especially my family.”

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and has been republished here with permission.