December 1, 2008

CableFAX: 12. Right On: Roger Ailes

Roger Ailes
Title: President, Fox News Channel
Last Year: #4
Age: 68
Education: U of OH, BA

Why Him? While ratings for Fox Business News lag, Ailes has cemented Fox News Channel as both the most popular cable news channel and one of cable’s top nets period. That success has helped make Ailes a wealthy man (he reportedly earns $8mln/yr) and put FNC in position to capitalize on the longest election in U.S. history. And capitalize it did. During the 11 weeks ended Nov 9, Fox News was the most-viewed ad-supported cable net in prime 5 times; it was #2 six times. Total 3Q prime viewers jumped 58% YOY, and Oct was up 164%. And lest you think Obama and McCain did all the work, consider this: Fox News ranked 5th in prime audience in 1Q and 7th in 2Q, well before the presidential race began to sizzle.

Proud Moment: Fox News commenced broadcasting from its new HD studio during election night coverage.

Year Ahead:
Ratings will inevitably drop as President-elect Obama enters the White House, but Fox’s strong performance during election season may lead to a good measure of carryover viewers.

CH/SA

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