The Loudest Voice In the Room

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This New York Times bestseller offers a deeply reported exploration of the secretive world of Fox News and its founder, Roger Ailes. When Rupert Murdoch brought Ailes on board to launch the network in 1996, it marked a transformative moment in American politics and media. Gabriel Sherman, a reporter for New York magazine, vividly captures Ailes's unique genius alongside influential figures like Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Megyn Kelly, who have shaped Fox News's role in major social and political controversies over the past two decades. Ailes's ability to sway the national agenda, from the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal to the Obama presidency, solidified his status as a key player in conservative America, making him essential for any Republican hopeful. Sherman chronicles Ailes's journey from a sickly child in Ohio to the architect of a powerful news empire, revealing his tactical brilliance in navigating press and business rivalries. Through hundreds of interviews, Sherman provides insights into Ailes's strategic meetings and his complex relationships with Fox stars and Rupert Murdoch. The narrative presents Ailes's life as a compelling human drama, earning praise for its thoroughness and engaging storytelling.