Fox News Diversity Program Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary

On Thursday, November 13th, Fox News Channel will host a graduation ceremony for the latest class of fellows from the Ailes Apprentice Program, a professional development initiative for television journalists from diverse backgrounds. The event will also mark the 10th anniversary of the program, which has become a leader in promoting diversity in the broadcast journalism industry.   Each year, the Ailes Apprentice Program, founded by Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, selects four top-performing Fox News employees, interns, or freelancers to participate in a 12-month paid fellowship that includes cross-divisional training and comprehensive mentorships with Fox News executives. The apprentices also gain hands-on experience by creating diversity-oriented content to air on the channel. Most recently, the fellows worked closely with Fox & Friends to create a special interview series honoring Hispanic Heritage Month.   "Throughout the past 10 years, the Ailes Apprentice Program has provided opportunities that young minorities otherwise wouldn't have to become stars in the media field of their choice," Ailes said in a statement. "Our ultimate goal is to inspire change in the television industry through the program's continued success and achievements in diversity."   Many of the program's graduates have enjoyed successful journalism careers. Francisco Cortes, now a Vice President at Fox News Latino, was a member of the program's inaugural class, and he now regularly serves as a mentor for the apprenticeship program.   "It's refreshing to see the chairman of the company involved so heavily," Cortes told Broadcasting & Cable in an interview. "[After graduation,] Mr. Ailes makes sure that you continue on a track of success through the company."   Click here to keep reading at gei.21cf.com.