The Rise of Fox News | 1. We Report. You Can Suck It.
Sep 18, 2024
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Discover the chaotic beginnings of a major cable news network as it navigates technical blunders and harsh criticism. Delve into the controversial decisions that shaped American politics, like the notorious election night call that changed everything. Uncover the behind-the-scenes dynamics and challenges faced by reporters striving for credibility in a politically charged environment. Explore personal stories intertwined with media influences, revealing how far the network has come and its lasting impact on public perception.
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Quick takeaways
Fox News launched with skepticism but quickly evolved into a major player in political coverage by the early 2000s.
The chaotic debut broadcast in 1996 highlighted the challenges Fox News faced while struggling to establish its credibility.
The controversial election night call in 2000 cemented Fox's role in shaping political narratives, raising questions about journalistic integrity.
Deep dives
The Unexpected Opportunity at Fox News
Mike Schneider's career came into focus when he was offered a prime anchoring role at the newly launched Fox News Channel, led by Roger Ailes. Although he had an established reputation for integrity and fairness built through years with established networks like ABC and NBC, he faced the challenge of reviving his public presence. With Fox News just starting out, Schneider’s fans were unaware of his new role due to the channel's limited reach in major cable systems. Despite initial doubts about Fox's conservative leanings, Schneider felt compelled to embrace this new chapter in his career.
Election Night Chaos
The inaugural election night broadcast in November 1996 was fraught with technical difficulties that sabotaged Fox News' first major opportunity to shine. Rather than a smooth coverage of the presidential election between Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, Schneider and his co-anchor faced constant signal failures that led to a frustrating and chaotic show. At one point, Schneider dramatically ripped the telephone off the wall in frustration, symbolizing the disarray behind the scenes. Additionally, the broadcast was sidelined for a movie, further burying Schneider’s efforts and leaving critics to deride the channel as unprofessional.
Rapid Evolution and Emergence as a Political Player
Within just a few years, Fox News transformed from a struggling startup into a formidable force in television news, capturing a significant audience by the early 2000s. This metamorphosis was marked by flashy graphics and vibrant sound effects that distinguished it from traditional networks. By the time of the contentious 2000 presidential election, Fox News had effectively redefined its brand and established itself as a key player in political coverage. The channel’s approach would not only reshape the media landscape but also potentially influence the democratic process.
The Controversial Florida Call
On election night in 2000, Fox News made the decisive call that George W. Bush had won Florida before other networks, a projection that significantly influenced the political narrative that followed. This call was made amid a chaotic atmosphere, leading to questions about the integrity of the decision and the motivations behind it. The decision desk's operation was later scrutinized when it was revealed that John Ellis, who was the cousin of George W. Bush, played a crucial role in making the call while reportedly conversing with family members during the event. Critics accused Fox of prioritizing speed over accuracy and manipulating coverage to favor political allies.
Long-Lasting Impact on Journalism and Politics
The fallout from the 2000 election call served to cement Fox News's role as a controversial entity within American media, largely due to its perceived bias in favor of Republican candidates. The incident ushered in a wave of public skepticism towards the network, as commentators and political figures questioned the journalistic integrity of its reporting. This moment marked a significant transition in how news outlets operated, with Fox News taking a leading role in shaping political narratives, prompting criticisms of a lack of impartiality. As its viewership soared during the electoral disputes, Fox News created a loyal audience that would further encourage its positioning as a mouthpiece for conservative viewpoints.
When the Fox News Channel launched in 1996, critics called it disorganized, incompetent, and laughably inept. But it wouldn’t be a joke for long. During the 2000 election, Fox News would captivate the nation – and just maybe change the fate of American democracy.
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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.