Ailes Apprentice Program Promotes Diversity in Journalism, Celebrates 11th Graduating Class

In New York City on Thursday, November 19, Fox News Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes honored the newest group of fellows from the Ailes Apprentice Program, a professional development initiative Ailes founded in 2003 for television journalists from diverse backgrounds. The ceremony, hosted by Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, celebrated the eleventh graduating class, each of whom completed an immersive 12-month fellowship at Fox News and its partners.

"These graduates are going to change the world," Ailes said during his speech. "They are the best hope for the country. They understand what it means to work, contribute, communicate, and lead."

Since its founding, the Ailes Apprentice Program has offered full-time, 12-month fellowships to select groups of individuals that include cross-divisional training, exclusive networking opportunities, and comprehensive mentorships with key Fox News executives, complete with competitive salaries and full benefits. The apprentices also get the chance to produce original content for air on Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, or Fox News Radio.

This year's graduates include Randall Payton, a junior web video producer for FoxNews.com, Mauricio Muñoz who worked in Technical Operations at FNC and FBN, Shivan Sarna who worked as a Production Assistant at Fox News, and Danaia Williams, an assistant to Alan Colmes at Fox News Radio.

The ceremony also featured the 2015 Inspiring Success Award, which was presented to 92-year-old Dabney Montgomery, a Tuskegee Airman and Civil Rights Activist. In addition, NCAA Division I Wrestling Champion Anthony Robles served as the keynote speaker. Also in attendance were 21st Century Fox Executive Vice-Chairman Chase Carey, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, National Association of Black Journalists President Sarah Glover, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists Executive Director Alberto Mendoza.