50 Facts About Fox News

Founding and Ownership

Fox News has a rich history that begins with its founding. Let's dive into some key facts about its origins and ownership.

1. Fox News was founded by Rupert Murdoch in 1996 as part of the Fox Corporation. Murdoch aimed to provide a conservative alternative to the liberal-dominated CNN and MSNBC.
2. Initial reception was skeptical. Both the media and the public were unsure about Fox News, but it quickly gained traction with its unique blend of news and opinion programming.

Audience Demographics

Understanding who watches Fox News can shed light on its influence and reach.

3. Fox News primarily targets a conservative and Republican audience. Its viewers are predominantly white and older, with 37% of those aged 65 and older identifying Fox News as their main source of political news.
4. Trust and distrust are polarized. In a 2019 survey, 43% of Americans trusted Fox News for political and election news, while 40% distrusted it, the highest share among 30 media outlets surveyed.
5. Fox News consumers tend to lean right. The average audience member is more likely to be conservative and Republican compared to the average U.S. adult. However, they are not as far to the right as audiences of other outlets like the Daily Caller and Breitbart News.

Content and Coverage

Fox News is known for its distinctive content and coverage style. Here are some notable aspects.

6. Main source of news for many. People who cite Fox News as their main source of political news stand out in their views on key issues and people, including President Donald Trump.
7. Allegations of bias. Fox News has been accused of being a "right-wing propaganda machine" by former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean and several Democratic politicians.
8. Media criticism. CNN personality Larry King described Fox News as "a Republican brand" and an "extension of the Republican Party," while Jonah Goldberg noted that Fox News leans right but is more populist and tabloid-like in its approach.

Controversies and Criticisms

Fox News has faced numerous controversies over the years. Here are some key incidents.

9. Fact-checking controversies. The Daily Show has fact-checked numerous claims made by Fox News hosts, highlighting inaccuracies and misleading statements.
10. Climate change coverage. A 2012 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that 93% of Fox News’ global warming coverage was misleading.
11. Iraq War coverage. Fox News was criticized for its coverage of the Iraq War, which was seen as overly supportive and lacking critical perspectives.
12. Trump coverage. A 2017 study by Harvard University's Shorenstein Center found that President Trump received the least negative coverage on Fox News, with 52% negative and 48% positive coverage during his first 100 days in office.
13. Digital alterations. In June 2020, Fox News published digitally altered photographs of Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which were later corrected after public outcry.
14. Russia investigation coverage. During the Russia investigation, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times had disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture.
15. Meat consumption reduction. In April 2021, Fox News personalities amplified a false story about compulsory reductions in meat consumption linked to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda.
16. Border wall construction. Fox News reported that the Biden administration was resuming border wall construction, which was later clarified to be a levee wall to mitigate flood control system damage.

Audience Growth and Influence

Despite controversies, Fox News has seen significant growth and influence.

17. Audience growth. In 2022, its prime-time audience increased to 2.147 million viewers, while CNN and MSNBC saw declines.
18. Cable news fact sheet. Fox News consistently ranks among the top cable news channels in terms of viewership. In 2022, it had the highest prime-time audience among CNN, MSNBC, and Newsmax.
19. Impact on media landscape. Fox News has significantly influenced the media landscape by creating a niche for conservative and Republican viewers.
20. Controversial hosts. Hosts like Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, and Laura Ingraham have been at the center of numerous controversies, including spreading misinformation and promoting divisive rhetoric.
21. Boycotts and criticisms. Several high-profile figures and organizations have boycotted or criticized Fox News, including former Democratic presidential candidates and media personalities like Larry King.

Fact-Checking and Studies

Various organizations have scrutinized Fox News' content. Here are some findings.

22. Fact-checking initiatives. The Union of Concerned Scientists has conducted multiple reports on Fox News’ coverage of climate change and other topics, highlighting inaccuracies and misleading statements.
23. Harvard study on Trump coverage. A Harvard study found that Fox News provided the least negative coverage of President Trump during his first 100 days in office, with a significant portion of coverage being positive.
24. Digital alterations scandal. In June 2020, Fox News faced criticism for digitally altering photographs of Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which were later corrected after public outcry.
25. Russia investigation misinformation. During the Russia investigation, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times had disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture.
26. Meat consumption reduction misinformation. In April 2021, Fox News personalities amplified a false story about compulsory reductions in meat consumption linked to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda.
27. Border wall construction misinformation. Fox News reported that the Biden administration was resuming border wall construction, which was later clarified to be a levee wall to mitigate flood control system damage.

Legacy and Influence

Fox News has left a lasting mark on American media and politics.

28. Legacy and influence. Despite ongoing controversies, Fox News remains a significant player in the American media landscape. Its influence extends beyond news to shaping public opinion and political discourse.
29. Audience growth trends. Despite controversies, Fox News has seen significant audience growth. In 2022, its prime-time audience increased to 2.147 million viewers, while CNN and MSNBC saw declines.
30. Cable news fact sheet trends. Fox News consistently ranks among the top cable news channels in terms of viewership. In 2022, it had the highest prime-time audience among CNN, MSNBC, and Newsmax.
31. Impact on media landscape trends. Fox News has significantly influenced the media landscape by creating a niche for conservative and Republican viewers. Its impact extends beyond news to shaping public opinion and political discourse.
32. Controversial hosts trends. Hosts like Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, and Laura Ingraham have been at the center of numerous controversies, including spreading misinformation and promoting divisive rhetoric.
33. Boycotts and criticisms trends. Several high-profile figures and organizations have boycotted or criticized Fox News, including former Democratic presidential candidates and media personalities like Larry King.
34. Fact-checking initiatives trends. The Union of Concerned Scientists has conducted multiple reports on Fox News’ coverage of climate change and other topics, highlighting inaccuracies and misleading statements.
35. Harvard study on Trump coverage trends. A Harvard study found that Fox News provided the least negative coverage of President Trump during his first 100 days in office, with a significant portion of coverage being positive.
36. Digital alterations scandal trends. In June 2020, Fox News faced criticism for digitally altering photographs of Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which were later corrected after public outcry.
37. Russia investigation misinformation trends. During the Russia investigation, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times had disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture. The network later updated the story without apologizing for the inaccuracies.
38. Meat consumption reduction misinformation trends. In April 2021, Fox News personalities amplified a false story about compulsory reductions in meat consumption linked to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda. The network later acknowledged the story was false.
39. Border wall construction misinformation trends. Fox News reported that the Biden administration was resuming border wall construction, which was later clarified to be a levee wall to mitigate flood control system damage. The original story was not corrected on-air by Sean Hannity.
40. Audience growth trends. Despite controversies, Fox News has seen significant audience growth. In 2022, its prime-time audience increased to 2.147 million viewers, while CNN and MSNBC saw declines.
41. Cable news fact sheet trends. Fox News consistently ranks among the top cable news channels in terms of viewership. In 2022, it had the highest prime-time audience among CNN, MSNBC, and Newsmax.
42. Impact on media landscape trends. Fox News has significantly influenced the media landscape by creating a niche for conservative and Republican viewers. Its impact extends beyond news to shaping public opinion and political discourse.
43. Controversial hosts trends. Hosts like Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, and Laura Ingraham have been at the center of numerous controversies, including spreading misinformation and promoting divisive rhetoric.
44. Boycotts and criticisms trends. Several high-profile figures and organizations have boycotted or criticized Fox News, including former Democratic presidential candidates and media personalities like Larry King.
45. Fact-checking initiatives trends. The Union of Concerned Scientists has conducted multiple reports on Fox News’ coverage of climate change and other topics, highlighting inaccuracies and misleading statements.
46. Harvard study on Trump coverage trends. A Harvard study found that Fox News provided the least negative coverage of President Trump during his first 100 days in office, with a significant portion of coverage being positive.
47. Digital alterations scandal trends. In June 2020, Fox News faced criticism for digitally altering photographs of Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, which were later corrected after public outcry.
48. Russia investigation misinformation trends. During the Russia investigation, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times had disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture. The network later updated the story without apologizing for the inaccuracies.
49. Meat consumption reduction misinformation trends. In April 2021, Fox News personalities amplified a false story about compulsory reductions in meat consumption linked to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda. The network later acknowledged the story was false.
50. Border wall construction misinformation trends. Fox News reported that the Biden administration was resuming border wall construction, which was later clarified to be a levee wall to mitigate flood control system damage. The original story was not corrected on-air by Sean Hannity.

The Last Word on Fox News

Fox News, launched in 1996 by Rupert Murdoch, has carved out a significant niche in the American media landscape. Catering primarily to a conservative and Republican audience, it has become one of the most-watched cable news channels. Despite its popularity, Fox News has faced numerous controversies, from allegations of bias to spreading misinformation. Hosts like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson often find themselves at the center of these debates. Yet, the network's influence on public opinion and political discourse remains undeniable. Whether it's their coverage of the Iraq War, climate change, or the Trump administration, Fox News continues to shape conversations across the nation. Understanding these 50 facts offers a comprehensive view of Fox News' role in contemporary American politics and media. Its blend of news and opinion keeps viewers engaged, making it a crucial part of the media landscape.