Digest

This episode of On The Media Midweek delves into the early days of Fox News, a conservative-leaning cable news channel founded in 1996 by Rupert Murdoch. The episode highlights the initial struggles of Fox News, which was initially met with criticism and skepticism from the media establishment. Despite these challenges, Fox News persevered and eventually established itself as a major force in American news. The episode focuses on the hiring of Mike Schneider, a respected journalist, as an anchor for Fox News. Schneider's presence was seen as a sign that Fox News was serious about becoming a legitimate news organization. However, the episode also explores the hiring of John Ellis, George W. Bush's first cousin, to run the Fox News decision desk during the 2000 election. Ellis's family ties to Bush raised concerns about potential bias and conflict of interest, particularly when Fox News was the first network to call Florida for Bush, despite the close margin. This decision influenced other networks to follow suit, creating the impression that Bush had won the election, even though the race was ultimately decided by a recount. The episode examines the impact of Fox News' decision to call Florida for Bush before other networks, and how this influenced other networks' decisions. It also explores the ethical concerns raised about Ellis's role as head of the Fox News decision desk. The episode concludes by discussing how Fox News' coverage of the 2000 election contributed to its rise as a powerful force in American media.

Outlines

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Fox News' Early Days and the 2000 Election

This episode explores the early days of Fox News, its initial struggles, and its controversial role in the 2000 election. The episode highlights the hiring of Mike Schneider, a respected journalist, as an anchor for Fox News, and the hiring of John Ellis, George W. Bush's first cousin, to run the Fox News decision desk during the 2000 election.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the initial criticisms of Fox News when it launched in 1996?

  Critics called Fox News \"disorganized, incompetent, and laughably inept,\" and many believed it wouldn't survive long enough to redeem itself.

• How did Fox News' coverage of the 2000 election impact the outcome of the race?

  Fox News was the first network to call Florida for Bush, which influenced other networks to follow suit. This created the impression that Bush had won the election, even though the race was ultimately decided by a recount.

• What were some of the ethical concerns raised about John Ellis's role as head of the Fox News decision desk?

  Ellis's family ties to George W. Bush raised concerns about potential bias and conflict of interest. His decision to call Florida for Bush, despite the close margin, fueled accusations of favoritism.

• How did Fox News' coverage of the 2000 election contribute to its rise as a powerful force in American media?

  Fox News' aggressive coverage of the election, including its early call for Bush, helped solidify its position as a major player in American news. It also demonstrated its willingness to break from traditional journalistic norms, which resonated with a growing audience.

Show Notes