In remembering Fox News founder Roger Ailes, talk show host Geraldo Rivera told online live post-cable news network Cheddar in an exclusive interview Friday, "You love the sinner, if not the sin."
Ailes, who served as Fox News CEO, died Thursday from injuries he received earlier in the month from a fall, The New York Times reported. He resigned last year from the network amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Rivera said Ailes "helped shape the last 30 years of my career" and called him "a wonderful man."
"He stumbled, maybe in the last year or two of his life. I mean, who amongst us has not committed a sin?" Rivera asked. "You love the sinner, if not the sin."
"Whatever you think of the Fox News prevailing ideology or the philosophy of the station, there is no doubt he perceived ... a market that was underserved. He had a product that fit it. It's the most profitable aspect of 20th Century Fox now," he added.
Since its debut in 1996, Fox News grew to be a powerhouse in conservative broadcasting under Ailes philosophy of "fair and balanced" reporting. Rivera called him "a genius who'll be sorely missed."
Rivera also maintained Ailes' "initial vision will continue to be realized going forward" as the network seeks to define its identity following his death.
"We're still number one in the ratings — all basic cable. There will be some adjustment as we try to work our way through and get our on-air programs established," he said.
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