Ailes' Small-Town Paper Accuses Him of Spying

Has Roger Ailes been spying on the staff of his small-town newspaper? That’s the rumor Gawker is reporting, describing the staff as in “open revolt” against the Fox News honcho. Anonymous former employees from the Putnam County News and Recorder say that highly-touted editor Joe Lindsley and several other employees resigned after Roger Ailes had them followed to a favorite lunch spot, and overheard them badmouthing him and his wife, Elizabeth. Even after Lindsley quit, he says he realized he was being tailed by a News Corp security man—who reportedly confirmed he was following Lindsley on Ailes' orders.

The sources also allege that Lindsley had a weirdly close relationship with the Ailes family, particularly Elizabeth, who supposedly once remarked, “When Roger dies, you’re going to have some special responsibilities around here.” Asked for comment, Elizabeth Ailes replied, “These rambling allegations are untrue and in fact not even reality based. The paper hoped for Joe’s success in spite of his personal habits and lack of performance. … There’s a sad disconnect between his claims of undying gratitude and his current state of agitation.” She then forwarded a scan of a Christmas card Lindsley had sent the couple in 2010, thanking them for his bonus and, among other things, the home-cooked meals. Click to read the entire piece. (More Roger Ailes stories.)