Fox News co-founder and former chief executive Roger Ailes has died at the age of 77, his family has announced.

Palm Beach County Medical Examiners Office said he died from bleeding on the brain caused by a fall at home.

Mr Ailes created Fox News for Rupert Murdoch in 1996, calling it a "fair and balanced" alternative to his competitors.

He remained with the network for the next 20 years and masterminded its growth to its current ratings success.

Mr Ailes abruptly resigned from his positions as chairman and chief executive of the TV channel and Fox Business Network in July last year.


His resignation came after former Fox News presenter Gretchen Carlson sued him for sexual harassment.

Several more women came forward with similar accusations, all of which Mr Ailes denied.

Image: Mr Ailes with his wife Elizabeth in July 2016

Mr Murdoch, whose 21st Century Fox owns Fox News, as well as 39.1% of Sky, said: "Everybody at Fox News is shocked and grieved by the death of Roger Ailes.

"A brilliant broadcaster, Roger played a huge role in shaping America's media over the last thirty years.

"He will be remembered by the many people on both sides of the camera that he discovered, nurtured and promoted.

"Roger and I shared a big idea which he executed in a way no one else could have. In addition, Roger was a great patriot who never ceased fighting for his beliefs.

"At 21st Century Fox we will always be enormously grateful for the great business he built. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Elizabeth and son Zachary."

Before launching Fox News, Mr Ailes was a Republican political operative and served as an aide to President Richard Nixon.

He also served as a media consultant to President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush.

Following his departure from Fox last year he reportedly assisted the Donald Trump campaign with debate preparation.

In a statement, Mr Ailes' wife Elizabeth said: "I am profoundly sad and heartbroken to report that my husband, Roger Ailes, passed away this morning.

"Roger was a loving husband to me, to his son Zachary, and a loyal friend to many."

Neither his wife nor Fox released any details on the circumstances of his death.

Fox News host Sean Hannity has paid tribute to his former boss, saying Mr Ailes had been like a "second father" to him.

"Today America lost one of its great patriotic warriors," he said.

"He has dramatically and forever changed the political and the media landscape single-handedly for the better."