Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Power at work can enable harassment and retaliation — the law still protects workers.

• Document everything: timelines, messages, witnesses, and medical records strengthen claims.

• Report safely: know company policies, agency options, and when to consult a lawyer first.

• NDAs and arbitration have limits—consult an attorney before signing or assuming silence is required.

• Deadlines matter: file with the EEOC or state agencies promptly to preserve claims.

Table of Contents

• Who was Roger Ailes?

• Why the story of Roger Ailes matters to workers today

• What counts as sexual harassment and a hostile work environment?

• Power, silence, and NDAs: lessons from Fox News

• Practical steps if you are facing harassment or a hostile workplace

• Signs of retaliation

• How to file a complaint with a government agency

• What to bring when you call a lawyer

• If you are in media, entertainment, or politics

• Common questions workers ask

• Lessons from Roger Ailes’s rise and fall

• Know the deadlines: do not wait

• What if your workplace pushes arbitration?

• What if your company uses NDAs or confidentiality clauses?

• How to document a hostile work environment

• What if HR does nothing?

• Mental health matters

• How lawyers help

• A quick, plain-language recap of Roger Ailes and why his story matters

• If you are reading about Roger Ailes because of what happened at Fox News, and you are facing harassment or retaliation at your job, here is your simple action plan

• How to find the right employment attorney

• Final thoughts: Power is loud. Your rights are louder.

• Sources for key facts about Roger Ailes

Who was Roger Ailes?

Roger Ailes (1940–2017) was a major figure in American media and politics. He was the founding president and CEO of Fox News Channel and a longtime political consultant to Republican presidents and candidates (source: source; source: source; source: source; source: source).

Early life and education

• Roger Ailes was born on May 15, 1940, in Warren, Ohio (source: source; source: source).

• He had hemophilia, a serious blood-clotting disorder. Reports say he also endured a difficult childhood with an abusive father (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Ailes attended Ohio University, studied radio and television, and managed the college station WOUB Radio (source: source).

Television beginnings and the path to politics

• Ailes started as a property assistant on The Mike Douglas Show. He rose fast, becoming executive producer and winning Emmy Awards for his production work (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• In 1967, while producing The Mike Douglas Show, Ailes met Richard Nixon. That meeting set him on a new path as a political media adviser (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Ailes worked as a media adviser for Nixon’s 1968 presidential campaign, using TV to reshape Nixon’s image and message (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• He founded Ailes Communication, a media consulting firm. He later advised Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election and George H.W. Bush’s 1988 presidential campaign, where he became known for aggressive negative advertising (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Ailes also assisted Rudy Giuliani’s unsuccessful 1989 New York mayoral campaign and kept producing media for conservative causes (source: source; source: source).

Fox News and media influence

• Before Fox, Ailes served as president of CNBC from 1993 to 1996 (source: source).

• In 1996, Ailes became the founding CEO of Fox News Channel. He built it with a conservative editorial focus, positioning it as a counterweight to what he viewed as mainstream media bias (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Under Ailes’s leadership, Fox News became the most-watched cable news channel in the United States, wielding huge influence over politics and public debate (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Ailes transformed political communication, bringing a sharper, more combative, and more partisan tone to cable news (source: source; source: source; source: source).

Controversy and sexual harassment scandals

• Roger Ailes left Fox News in July 2016 after multiple women came forward with sexual harassment allegations, including high-profile Fox personalities Gretchen Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Andrea Tantaros (source: source; source: source).

• He was accused of fostering a misogynistic and hostile workplace. These allegations have deeply shaped his legacy (source: source).

Death

• Roger Ailes died on May 18, 2017, at age 77. The cause was a subdural hematoma—a brain bleed—after a fall, with his hemophilia as an aggravating factor (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• His death came less than a year after he left Fox News (source: source).

Additional notable works and persona

• Ailes coauthored a self-help book on communication titled “You Are the Message” (1988) (source: source).

• He executive-produced Rush Limbaugh’s television show and even created political board games (source: source).

• He held a combative public persona as a strategist who often drew controversy and attention (source: source).

Legacy in media and politics

Ailes’s impact on conservative media, Republican strategy, and TV news is profound. He is credited with innovations in news presentation and political messaging, and also criticized for leadership that, according to allegations, allowed harassment and a hostile culture (source: source; source: source; source: source).

Why the story of Roger Ailes matters to workers today

The Ailes story is not just about politics and TV. It is also about power at work. The public reports around Fox News describe claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a hostile work environment. Many workers, not only in media, face similar problems. Here is the key point: the law protects you. Even if the person harming you is famous or powerful, the law still applies.

This guide explains your rights and next steps if you are facing harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace abuse. Learn more here.

What counts as sexual harassment and a hostile work environment?

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It can include: Learn more here

• Unwanted sexual comments or jokes

• Requests for sexual favors

• Touching without consent

• Sending sexual texts, images, or emails

• Repeated, unwanted advances

• Threats or punishment for saying no

Two common legal types:

• Quid pro quo: A boss or person with power asks for sexual favors in exchange for job benefits, like raises, hours, or keeping your job.

• Hostile work environment: Harassment that is severe or happens often enough that it changes your workplace, makes your job harder, or creates fear or humiliation.

The law also bans retaliation. If you report harassment or discrimination, your employer cannot punish you for it. They cannot cut your hours, demote you, fire you, or make your job worse because you spoke up. Learn more here

This is true under federal law (like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) and many state laws. The rules can vary by state, but the core idea is simple: You have a right to a safe workplace.

Power, silence, and NDAs: lessons from Fox News

Allegations around Roger Ailes show the dangers of unchecked power at work (source: source; source: source). In many industries, powerful figures can shape careers. People fear speaking up. They worry about being punished, blacklisted, or not believed. Sometimes companies use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or secret settlements. Some states now limit how NDAs can be used to silence claims of harassment or discrimination, and there is new federal law limiting forced arbitration of sexual harassment and assault disputes. The bottom line: even if you signed paperwork, you may still have the right to speak with law enforcement, a government agency, or a lawyer. A qualified employment attorney can tell you what you can safely share in your state. Learn more here Learn more here

If something similar is happening to you, you are not alone. Many people have faced this. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and build your case. Learn more here

Practical steps if you are facing harassment or a hostile workplace

You do not have to do all of these. Pick what feels safe. Your safety comes first.

• Write it down

  • Keep a private timeline. Note dates, times, places, names, what was said or done, and who saw it.

  • Save emails, texts, DMs, photos, and voicemails. Back them up to a personal device or secure cloud you control.

• Talk to someone you trust

  • Tell a friend, family member, or therapist. Ask them to keep a record of the date and what you shared.

  • Consider reaching out to a support hotline or local advocacy group.

• Review company policies

  • Read the employee handbook. Check the sections on harassment, reporting, and retaliation.

  • Note your options: HR report, anonymous hotline, or a manager who is not involved.

• Report, if it is safe

  • If you can, report in writing to HR or the person named in your policy.

  • Ask for a copy of your report and a copy of any investigation findings.

  • If you fear backlash, speak with a lawyer first about your options. Learn more here

• See a doctor or counselor if needed

  • If you are stressed, depressed, or having physical symptoms, seek care. Medical records can also support your case.

• Do not quit on the spot unless you must

  • Leaving may be the right call for your health and safety. But, if you can, talk with a lawyer first about timing, documentation, and severance.

• Protect your devices and data

  • Use personal devices for personal notes. Be careful with company devices and files. Do not take proprietary information or break security rules.

• Get legal advice early

  • A short consult can help you plan. Lawyers can coach you on what to write, what to save, and who to tell.

  • If you’re asked to sign anything (NDA, severance, or settlement), have a lawyer review it first. Learn more here

Signs of retaliation

Retaliation is illegal. Watch for:

• Sudden schedule cuts or bad shifts

• Demotion or loss of duties

• Unfair discipline after you report

• Glaring, shunning, or exclusion from meetings

• Poor reviews with no basis

• Reassignment to worse clients or territories

• Firing after you complain

Keep detailed notes. Save proof. If you see these signs, talk to a lawyer or a government agency right away. Learn more here

How to file a complaint with a government agency

Many cases start with a charge to a government agency. You usually need to file a charge before you can sue under federal law.

• Federal: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) handles federal claims for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. You can start online or by phone. Time limits can be as short as 180 days, and in many places up to 300 days. Do not wait. Deadlines matter. Learn more here

• State and local: Many states and cities have their own agencies and longer deadlines. They may also cover smaller employers.

If you are unsure where to file, an employment attorney can guide you. You can also call the EEOC and ask.

What to bring when you call a lawyer

• Your timeline of events

• Names and titles of people involved

• Copies of emails, texts, DMs, or notes

• Your job title, pay, schedule changes

• Your company’s policies or handbook

• Any medical notes or therapist letters

• Any prior complaints you made, and the responses

• Any severance or NDA paperwork you’ve been given

If you are in media, entertainment, or politics

The Ailes story shows how industries with high visibility and big power gaps can be risky. Here are tips tailored for these fields:

• Be mindful of power. A “star” or top executive may not be your direct boss but can still influence your job. Their actions can still count for harassment or retaliation claims.

• Networking can complicate things. If meetings happen off-hours or in private spaces, set clear boundaries. Ask for a colleague to join. Suggest public meeting spots.

• Keep communications professional and on record. Try to follow up verbal exchanges with short, factual emails (“Thanks for meeting today. We agreed on X and Y.”).

• If you are a contractor or freelancer, you may still have protections under state law for harassment and discrimination, even if you are not a W-2 employee. Ask a lawyer about your specific situation. Learn more here

Common questions workers ask

• Do I need “smoking gun” proof?

  No. Many cases are built on patterns, consistent notes, texts, and witness statements. Your word matters, especially when backed by a clear timeline.

• What if the person harassing me is the boss or the CEO?

  The law still applies. Companies have a duty to prevent and correct harassment at all levels. If HR reports to the person who is the problem, speak with a lawyer or file directly with a government agency.

• Will I get blacklisted for speaking up?

  Retaliation by your current employer is illegal. Blacklisting is hard to prove, but lawyers know how to protect you and push back. Some states also have strong anti-retaliation and whistleblower laws.

• What if I signed an NDA?

  Many NDAs cannot stop you from reporting to the EEOC, law enforcement, or speaking with your own attorney. Recent laws limit forced arbitration in sexual harassment and sexual assault cases. A lawyer can read your NDA and explain your rights.

• I am afraid. What if I lose my job?

  Your safety is first. If you fear harm, call 911. For your job and income, talk with a lawyer about options like medical leave, safety plans, accommodations, or negotiated exits with severance. Learn more here

• What can I recover in a case like this?

  It depends on the facts. Remedies may include lost pay, future pay, emotional distress damages, punitive damages, policy changes, and attorneys’ fees. Many cases settle. Some go to court. Your lawyer will explain your options.

Lessons from Roger Ailes’s rise and fall

• Power without checks can fuel abuse

  Reports about Ailes show how a powerful leader can shape the culture of a whole network (source: source; source: source). If leaders ignore complaints, a hostile culture can spread.

• Culture is set at the top

  Ailes built Fox News to be combative and partisan by design, which reshaped the tone of cable news (source: source; source: source; source: source). When leaders prize winning at all costs, workers can get hurt.

• Accountability matters

  Ailes left Fox News in July 2016 after multiple allegations from known on-air figures, which made global headlines (source: source; source: source). This helped push a broader movement to call out harassment at work.

• Your voice can lead to change

  When one person speaks up, others often come forward. Policies change. Leaders are replaced. Public attention can help force real accountability.

Know the deadlines: do not wait

Time limits, called statutes of limitations, can be short. In many places:

• You may need to file with the EEOC within 180 days; in many states, you have up to 300 days. Some state laws have longer deadlines.

• Wage claims (like unpaid overtime) often have 2–3 year limits under federal law, and sometimes longer under state law.

• Retaliation and whistleblower deadlines vary.

Because these deadlines differ by state and by type of claim, talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. Even a quick consult can keep your options open. Learn more here

What if your workplace pushes arbitration?

Some companies require arbitration for disputes. New federal law limits forced arbitration in sexual harassment and sexual assault cases. You may have the right to choose court instead. A lawyer can review your agreement and explain your options. Learn more here

What if your company uses NDAs or confidentiality clauses?

NDAs can limit what you share publicly, but they often cannot stop you from:

• Filing a charge with the EEOC or a state agency

• Talking to law enforcement

• Speaking with your attorney

• Participating in an investigation

Many states restrict NDAs in harassment or discrimination cases. Ask a lawyer before you sign anything. You may be able to negotiate fair terms or refuse unlawful ones. Learn more here

How to document a hostile work environment

• Keep a daily log

  Date, time, location, people present, what happened, your response

• Save objective proof

  Emails, chats, texts, photos of workspace conditions (if allowed)

• Record impact on your work

  Missed shifts, schedule changes, lost clients, lower sales or ratings

• Track your reports

  Who you told, when, what they said, any follow-up

What if HR does nothing?

If your company does not act, or the harasser is the person HR reports to, you can:

• Go to the EEOC or your state agency

• Consult a lawyer to plan next steps

• Continue to document retaliation

• Seek accommodations or leave if needed for your health and safety

See our step-by-step guide on reporting hostile work here: Learn more here

Mental health matters

Harassment is not just “bad behavior.” It can cause deep stress, anxiety, and depression. It can hurt sleep and health. Getting care is brave and wise. Therapy notes can also help show the harm you suffered.

How lawyers help

A good employment lawyer can:

• Explain your rights and deadlines

• Help you report safely

• Gather and frame the facts

• Deal with HR and insurers for you

• Seek fair remedies: policy changes, training, back pay, damages

• Negotiate a confidential settlement if that is your goal

• Take your case to court if needed

You control the decisions. Your lawyer is your guide and shield. If you want to find local legal help, start here: Learn more here

A quick, plain-language recap of Roger Ailes and why his story matters

• Who he was

  Roger Ailes was a powerful TV executive, the founding CEO of Fox News, and a political strategist for Republicans (source: source; source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Early life

  Born May 15, 1940, in Warren, Ohio; lived with hemophilia and a difficult home life; studied radio/TV at Ohio University and managed WOUB Radio (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Career path

  From The Mike Douglas Show to Nixon’s 1968 campaign; then Reagan 1984 and George H.W. Bush 1988; advised Rudy Giuliani in 1989 (source: source; source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Media leadership

  President of CNBC (1993–96); founded Fox News in 1996; made it the top cable news channel; reshaped TV politics and tone (source: source; source: source; source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Scandals

  Left Fox News in July 2016 after sexual harassment allegations from multiple women, including Gretchen Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Andrea Tantaros; accused of creating a hostile, misogynistic workplace (source: source; source: source).

• Death

  Died May 18, 2017, from a subdural hematoma after a fall, worsened by hemophilia; less than a year after leaving Fox (source: source; source: source; source: source).

• Other works and persona

  Wrote “You Are the Message,” produced Rush Limbaugh’s TV show, created political board games; known as a combative strategist (source: source; source: source).

• Legacy

  A pivotal figure in conservative media and Republican strategy; praised for innovation, criticized for the scandals that defined his exit and legacy (source: source; source: source; source: source).

If you are reading about Roger Ailes because of what happened at Fox News, and you are facing harassment or retaliation at your job, here is your simple action plan

• Do this now

  • Start a private timeline and save evidence.

  • Tell someone you trust.

  • Read your company’s policy. Consider a written report.

  • If you fear retaliation, talk to a lawyer first. Learn more here

• Within days

  • Ask HR, in writing, for a copy of your complaint and the steps they will take.

  • Seek medical or mental health support if you are hurting.

  • Explore filing with the EEOC or your state agency—deadlines can be short. Learn more here

• Before you sign anything

  • Have a lawyer review NDAs, severance, or arbitration papers. Learn more here

• If retaliation starts

  • Document everything and alert HR or your agency contact.

  • Consider legal action to stop the retaliation and protect your job. Learn more here

• If you left or were fired

  • You may still have claims. Time limits apply. Talk with a lawyer soon. Learn more here

How to find the right employment attorney

• Look for someone who focuses on employees, not employers.

• Ask about experience with sexual harassment and retaliation cases.

• Request a free or low-cost consult to discuss options.

• Bring your timeline and documents to make the consult efficient.

• Choose someone who listens, explains clearly, and respects your goals—whether that is to stay at your job safely, settle quietly, or go to court. Learn more here

Final thoughts: Power is loud. Your rights are louder.

The story of Roger Ailes shows how much influence one person can have over an entire workplace and even a national conversation. It also shows what happens when workers speak up. Policies change. Leaders leave. People learn. If you are facing harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, you do not have to carry it alone. The law gives you tools. Documentation gives you strength. A skilled attorney gives you a plan.

Your safety and dignity matter. Your voice matters. And help is available—today.

Sources for key facts about Roger Ailes

• Overview of career, Fox News role, and political consulting: Britannica; Wikipedia; Business Insider; Biography.com

• Early life, hemophilia, and education: Business Insider; Wikipedia; Biography.com

• The Mike Douglas Show and Emmys: Britannica; Business Insider; Biography.com

• Nixon (1968), Reagan (1984), Bush (1988), Giuliani (1989): Britannica; Time; Biography.com; Wikipedia

• CNBC presidency (1993–96): Britannica

• Founding CEO of Fox News (1996), conservative positioning, ratings dominance, and influence: Britannica; Biography.com; Wikipedia; Business Insider; Time

• Sexual harassment allegations and July 2016 exit: Wikipedia; Biography.com

• Death and cause (subdural hematoma, hemophilia), timing: Britannica; Biography.com; Wikipedia

• Book, Limbaugh TV show, political board games, public persona: Britannica; Time

FAQ

What should I do first if I’m being harassed at work?

Start a private timeline and save evidence. Tell someone you trust. Read your company’s policy and consider a written report. If you fear retaliation, consult a lawyer before reporting. Learn more here

Do I need a lawyer to file with the EEOC?

No, you can file a charge with the EEOC on your own, but consulting a lawyer early can help preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and avoid missteps. See the EEOC filing guide: Learn more here

Can an NDA stop me from reporting harassment?

Generally, NDAs cannot stop you from filing a charge with the EEOC, speaking to law enforcement, or consulting your attorney. Many states also limit NDAs in harassment cases. Have a lawyer review any agreement before you sign. Learn more here

What if HR doesn’t act after I report?

Continue documenting everything, then consider filing with the EEOC or your state agency and consult a lawyer to plan next steps. You may also seek accommodations or leave for your safety. Learn more here

How long do I have to file a claim?

Deadlines vary: EEOC deadlines can be 180 or 300 days depending on location, wage claims often have 2–3 year limits, and state deadlines differ. Speak with a lawyer promptly to preserve your rights. Learn more here