June 2023:
Roger Ailes: A Complex Legacy and The Loudest Voice…
Roger Ailes was a polarizing figure in the world of media and politics, best known for his role in transforming Fox News into one of the most influential media networks in history. Ailes‘ legacy is a subject of both admiration and controversy. This critique will examine his contributions to the rise of Fox News, his involvement in numerous sexual harassment accusations and settlements that tainted his career, and the 2019 Showtime miniseries The Loudest Voice, which portrayed his life and career based on Gabriel Sherman‘s book The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News – and Divided a Country.
Roger Ailes and the Creation of Fox News…
Roger Ailes was a media executive and political strategist with a remarkable ability to connect with conservative audiences. His most significant achievement was the establishment and success of Fox News, a network that would redefine American television news. Ailes recognized the untapped market for conservative news and saw the potential in creating a network that could cater to this audience. In 1996, he was appointed as the founding CEO of Fox News, and it was under his leadership that the network became a dominant force in the media landscape.
Ailes understood the power of appealing to a particular demographic and utilized his experience in political consulting to craft Fox News as a platform that resonated with conservative viewers. His approach to news was unapologetically conservative, characterized by strong and opinionated commentators, a format that distinguished Fox News from other mainstream media outlets. The network’s slogan, “Fair and Balanced,” was a testament to Ailes‘ vision to counter what he saw as liberal bias in the media.
Under Ailes‘ guidance, Fox News rapidly gained a massive and dedicated viewership, often surpassing other major news networks in ratings. This success made Fox News a formidable player in American politics and greatly influenced the national discourse. Ailes managed to create a media empire that aligned with the political ideologies of a substantial portion of the American population, effectively reshaping the media landscape.
The Controversies: Sexual Harassment Accusations and Settlements…
While Roger Ailes was undoubtedly influential in the world of media, his legacy is also marred by serious allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. Ailes‘ tenure at Fox News came under scrutiny in 2016 when former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of sexual harassment. This case opened the floodgates, leading to numerous other women coming forward with similar allegations against Ailes.
The allegations painted a disturbing picture of a workplace culture at Fox News that tolerated sexual harassment. Ailes, a powerful figure within the organization, faced mounting pressure as more accusations emerged. In July 2016, he resigned from his position as chairman and CEO of Fox News, marking a significant fall from grace for the media mogul.
![Ten days later, New York magazine reported that an internal review into Carlson's claims had expanded into a broader review of Ailes's stewardship. It also claimed Rupert Murdoch and his sons, Lachlan and James, had seen enough information in the preliminary review to conclude that Ailes had to go. They disagreed on the timing, however; James wanted Ailes out immediately, while Rupert and Lachlan wanted to wait until after the Republican National Convention. On July 19, New York reported that Megyn Kelly told investigators Ailes made "unwanted sexual advances toward her" at the start of her career. The magazine also reported that the Murdochs had given Ailes an ultimatum—resign by August 1 or be fired. On July 21, 2016, Ailes resigned from Fox News, receiving $65 million (~$72.8 million in 2021)[1] from 21st Century Fox (the then-parent company of 20th Century Fox and Fox News) in an exit agreement. Rupert Murdoch succeeded him as chairman, and as interim CEO until the naming of a permanent replacement. In a letter to Murdoch, Ailes wrote: "I will not allow my presence to become a distraction from the work that must be done every day to ensure that Fox News and Fox Business continue to lead our industry." Ailes was thanked for his work, without mention of the allegations. He continued to advise Murdoch and 21st Century Fox through 2017 until his death. Photo Credit: Google Images](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ailes-Leaves-Fox-News.jpeg?resize=525%2C285&ssl=1)
Ailes’ career took a major hit due to these allegations, and it significantly tarnished his legacy. He reached a settlement with Gretchen Carlson and several other women who had accused him of harassment. While he did not admit to any wrongdoing in these settlements, they undoubtedly raised questions about the workplace environment he had fostered at Fox News.
The Loudest Voice and Ailes’ Portrayal…
In 2019, Showtime released the limited series The Loudest Voice, which offered a dramatic portrayal of Roger Ailes’ life and career. The series, based on Gabriel Sherman‘s book The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News – and Divided a Country, starred Russell Crowe as Ailes and delved into his rise to power at Fox News, as well as the controversies that marked his career.
The miniseries also starred Seth MacFarlane as Brian Lewis, Sienna Miller as Beth Tilson Ailes, Simon McBurney as Rupert Murdoch, Annabelle Wallis as Laurie Luhn, Aleksa Palladino as Judy Laterza, and Naomi Watts as Gretchen Carlson.
The show presented Ailes as a brilliant but polarizing figure, showcasing his ability to shape a media empire that catered to conservative viewers. Russell Crowe’s performance was praised for its accuracy and depth, capturing the essence of Ailes’ personality and charisma.
The Loudest Voice did not shy away from depicting the sexual harassment allegations that marred Ailes’ career. It showed the toxic workplace culture at Fox News and the allegations brought against Ailes, including his interactions with female employees. The series portrayed the network as a place where loyalty to Ailes often took precedence over ethical conduct, and it explored the impact of these allegations on both Ailes and the women involved.
The series also touched on Ailes’ political influence and his role in shaping the conservative media landscape. It highlighted how Fox News had become a dominant force in American politics, with Ailes using the network as a platform to promote his political agenda.
Conclusion…
Roger Ailes was a complex figure in the world of media and politics. His creation and leadership of Fox News revolutionized the news landscape by providing a conservative alternative to mainstream media. However, his career was marred by allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, which ultimately led to his downfall.
The Loudest Voice provided a dramatic portrayal of Ailes’ life and career, capturing both his achievements and controversies. The series shed light on the toxic workplace culture at Fox News and the allegations of sexual harassment that came to define Ailes’ legacy.
In the end, Roger Ailes’ impact on the media industry and American politics cannot be denied. He played a pivotal role in shaping the conservative media landscape and influencing public opinion. However, his career will always be associated with the dark shadow of the sexual harassment allegations that cast a long-lasting stain on his legacy. The story of Roger Ailes is a cautionary tale of the complex interplay between power, media, and personal conduct in the modern world.
The Loudest Voice is available now to buy on all streaming platforms…