The Daily Why Election Denialism Might Cost Fox News $1.6 Billion
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Feb 27, 2023 In this engaging conversation, Jeremy W. Peters, a New York Times correspondent specializing in media and politics, dives into the legal battle facing Fox News over its election fraud claims. He highlights how internal communications reveal a knotted relationship between truth and profit, with the network prioritizing ratings over journalistic integrity. The discussion also explores the complexities of proving defamation and the broader implications for media accountability in today's polarized environment, raising questions about the responsibility of news organizations.
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Dominion Under Siege
- After the 2020 election, Fox News amplified false stolen election claims, targeting Dominion Voting Systems.
- Dominion, facing reputational damage, sent 3,600 messages to Fox News, but their pleas were largely ignored.
Defamation Suit Challenges
- Dominion sued Fox News for defamation, seeking $1.6 billion in damages.
- Such lawsuits are difficult to win due to First Amendment protections and the need to prove "actual malice."
Internal Communications Reveal Doubts
- Dominion accessed internal Fox News communications, including texts and emails.
- These messages suggest that Fox knew the election claims were false but continued promoting them for business reasons.