In a rare interview with a non-Fox reporter, Roger Ailes made a shocking declaration while defending himself from accusations that his Fox News network was anything but “fair and balanced.”
Speaking to The Associated Press, Ailes argued that he hired Sarah Palin not to promote a political agenda, but “because she was hot and got ratings.”
The interview was intended to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the controversial news network, which Ailes founded with the intention of challenging CNN back in 1996.
By all accounts, Fox News has succeeded, replacing CNN as the ratings leader for the first time in 2002. By 2010, the network was drawing an average of 1.1 million viewers–more than CNN and MSNBC combined.
The massive ratings were achieved by Ailes’ famous “fair and balanced” branding of the network, targeting viewers who believe that other networks have a liberal bias while Fox News “delivers them with unvarnished truth.” Yet, he has come under attack over the years from numerous detractors, who rail against what they see as simply “a mouthpiece for the Republican Party.”
Recently, the attacks on Fox News intensified after Ailes hired several potential GOP candidates, including Palin, as contributors.
Ailes has defended himself and the network from what he dismisses as the petty complaining of sore losers. “Everybody who’s getting their ass beat vilifies the opponent,” he says. “This is the first rule of fighting.”
TPM has asked the Palin camp for a response, and will update if one is received.
