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Slow Burn
The Rise of Fox News | 6. What Hath We Wrought?
Oct 23, 2024
Brian Stelter, Chief media analyst for CNN, teams up with former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly for some candid discussions about the media landscape. They delve into the manipulative strategies of Fox during the 2004 election, revealing how the network prioritized ratings over ethics. The conversation also scrutinizes the fallout from sexual harassment allegations against O'Reilly and the culture of silence that allowed such behavior to thrive. Listeners get a compelling look at the intersection of media, politics, and the responsibility of journalists.
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Quick takeaways
- Roger Ailes transformed Fox News into a ratings powerhouse, exemplifying how viewership metrics could dictate media narratives and strategies.
- The 2004 election highlighted Fox News' role in shaping partisan politics, using sensationalism to manipulate public perception and undermine opponents.
Deep dives
Roger Ailes and Fox's Ratings Strategy
Roger Ailes prioritized viewership and ratings as the lifeblood of cable news, believing that without high ratings, networks would fail. Under his leadership, Fox News not only surpassed its competitors but also celebrated milestones that reflected its increasing popularity, including surpassing CNN during pivotal events like the Iraq War. The enthusiasm was palpable within the Fox team, with celebrations like a SpongeBob-themed cake marking significant victories against competing networks. These ratings successes laid the foundation for Fox’s narrative of being the underdog that took on established media powers.
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Discover
highlights
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