The Rise of Fox News | 3. The Other Guy’s Hamburger
Oct 2, 2024
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Discover how CNN’s groundbreaking 24-hour news model faced fierce competition from Fox News in the 90s. Explore the pivotal events that shaped media bias and the sensationalism that emerged, especially after the 2000 election. The chaotic coverage of September 11 revealed the contrasting strategies of these networks, with Fox adopting a patriotic fervor while CNN maintained its editorial independence. This deep dive into the rivalry unveils the dramatic shifts in America's news landscape and the struggle for journalistic integrity.
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Quick takeaways
CNN's establishment as a 24-hour news channel revolutionized broadcasting by prioritizing immediate event coverage over traditional television formats.
The emergence of Fox News introduced a sensationalist, partisan style that challenged CNN's serious approach, reshaping viewer expectations and ratings in cable news.
Deep dives
Gail Evans' Journey with CNN
Gail Evans transitioned from an international consulting career to a pivotal role at CNN during its inception, contributing to the establishment of the network as a 24-hour news channel. In a time when continuous news coverage was a novel concept, Evans was tasked with devising strategies for sourcing real-time news, a challenge that involved significant financial uncertainty in the early days. Her experience included helping create CNN's booking and research departments, which were essential for continuous news delivery. Despite initial doubts from others about CNN's viability, Evans and her colleagues pushed forward, emphasizing the network's goal to provide immediate and comprehensive news coverage.
CNN's Innovative Approach to News
CNN revolutionized news broadcasting by promising viewers immediate access to events as they unfolded, rejecting traditional television constraints. The network aimed to redefine the role of news, ensuring that the story itself took precedence over television personalities. This commitment manifested in groundbreaking live coverage, such as reporting on the famine in Ethiopia, despite the grim realities prompting many viewers to turn off their TVs. Iconic events like the Baby Jessica well rescue highlighted CNN's strength in keeping audiences engaged during unfolding crises, ultimately establishing the network as a reliable source for breaking news.
The Impact of Competition from Fox News
With the launch of Fox News in 1996, CNN faced unprecedented competition that challenged its status as the dominant cable news network. Fox News introduced a more partisan, sensationalist approach that appealed to viewers seeking a different style of news coverage, significantly altering the ratings landscape. As this rivalry intensified, CNN struggled to connect with audiences deeply, contrasting its serious news delivery with Fox's focus on engaging narratives and bold personalities. The competition demanded a reevaluation of CNN's strategies, emphasizing the culture clash between substantive reporting and the more entertainment-driven style adopted by Fox.
911: A Defining Moment for Cable News
The September 11 attacks marked a pivotal moment in television news, presenting an opportunity for CNN and Fox News to demonstrate their strengths during a national crisis. CNN's comprehensive and measured coverage resonated with viewers searching for clarity and insight in a chaotic environment, temporarily boosting its ratings significantly. In contrast, Fox adapted quickly, utilizing a fresh and immersive format that would later become a hallmark of its identity, such as the introduction of the news ticker. This period not only solidified each network's approach to journalism but began to forge a competitive dynamic that defined the future landscape of cable news.
For a decade and a half, CNN was peerless and ambitious, and it understood its place in the world. At least, it thought it did—until Fox News burst onto television screens. Could CNN save itself by becoming conservative or by going tabloid? And how would CNN and Fox respond when September 11 made the news more important than ever?
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Season 10 of Slow Burn was written and reported by Josh Levin. It was executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs.
Slow Burn is produced by Sophie Summergrad, Joel Meyer, and Rosie Belson with help from Patrick Fort, Jacob Fenston, and Julia Russo.
Derek John is Slate’s executive producer of narrative podcasts.
This season was edited by Susan Matthews and Hillary Frey.
Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director. Mix and sound design by Joe Plourde.
Our theme music was composed by Alexis Cuadrado. Derreck Johnson created the artwork for this season. Episode artwork by Ivylise Simones.