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Roger Ailes quits FOX News

An abrupt end for powerful TV boss, exiting under a cloud of sexual harassment allegations.

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Powerful FOX News boss Roger Ailes has resigned as chairman and chief executive following allegations of sexual harassment, ending his 20-year rein over America’s most lucrative and powerful cable news channel for conservatives.

Rupert Murdoch, 85, will assume the role of CEO FOX News and FOX Business Network on an interim basis, with Ailes to receive a severance package of about $40 million, according to sources.

In his resignation letter to Murdoch, 76 year old Ailes did not indicate he had done anything wrong.

“I take particular pride in the role that I have played advancing the careers of the many women I have promoted to executive and on-air positions,” he wrote, adding, “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.”

The resignation marks a swift downfall for Ailes, the media executive who advised several US Republican presidents, including George Bush, and turned FOX News into the most-watched US cable news channel.

His departure comes on the final and biggest night of the Republican National Convention, where Donald Trump will formally accept the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump tweeted on Thursday, “Roger Ailes just called. He is a great guy & assures me that ‘Trump’ will be treated fairly on @FoxNews. His word is always good!”

Former FOX News anchor Gretchen Carlson sued Ailes earlier this month, claiming sexual harassment. Ailes has denied the charges.

New York magazine also followed up with reports of other women who said they had been harassed by Ailes.

Source: Reuters