History of Fox News in Timeline
Fox News Channel (FNC) is an American multinational conservative news and political commentary television channel and website headquartered in New York City. Owned by Fox News Media, a subsidiary of Fox Corporation, it holds the distinction of being the most-watched cable news network in the U.S. As of 2023, Fox News accounts for about 70% of Fox Corporation's pre-tax profit. Broadcasting primarily from Midtown Manhattan, it extends its reach to 86 countries and territories, incorporating Fox Extra segments in international broadcasts.
1926: Publication of 'Notes on Democracy'
In 1926, 'Notes on Democracy' was published.
1930: Publication of 'I'll Take My Stand'
In 1930, 'I'll Take My Stand' was published.
1941: Publication of 'The Managerial Revolution'
In 1941, 'The Managerial Revolution' was published.
1948: Publication of 'Ideas Have Consequences'
In 1948, 'Ideas Have Consequences' was published.
1951: Publication of 'God and Man at Yale'
In 1951, 'God and Man at Yale' was published.
1953: Publication of 'The Conservative Mind'
In 1953, 'The Conservative Mind' was published.
1960: Publication of 'The Conscience of a Conservative'
In 1960, 'The Conscience of a Conservative' was published.
1964: Publication of 'A Choice Not an Echo'
In 1964, 'A Choice Not an Echo' was published.
May 1985: Murdoch Announces Network Development Plan
In May 1985, Rupert Murdoch and Marvin Davis announced plans to develop a network of independent stations to compete with CBS, NBC, and ABC.
July 1985: Murdoch Completes Fox Filmed Entertainment Purchase
In July 1985, 20th Century Fox announced Rupert Murdoch had completed his purchase of 50% of Fox Filmed Entertainment, the parent company of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
1987: Publication of 'A Conflict of Visions' and 'The Closing of the American Mind'
In 1987, 'A Conflict of Visions' and 'The Closing of the American Mind' were published.
1989: BSkyB Launches Sky News
In 1989, News Corporation's BSkyB subsidiary launched Sky News, Europe's first 24-hour news channel, in the United Kingdom.
December 1995: Launch of Fox News Website
In December 1995, Fox News launched its website, featuring news articles and videos about national and international news.
January 30, 1996: News Corp Announces Launch of 24-Hour News Channel
On January 30, 1996, News Corp. announced it would launch a 24-hour news channel on cable and satellite systems in the United States.
February 1996: Roger Ailes Hired to Start Fox News Channel
In February 1996, Rupert Murdoch hired Roger Ailes to start Fox News Channel after he left America's Talking.
October 7, 1996: Fox News Channel Launch
On October 7, 1996, Fox News Channel launched to 17 million cable subscribers, marking its entry into the media landscape.
1996: Fox News Influence on Republican Vote Share
A 2007 study, using the introduction of Fox News into local markets (1996–2000) as an instrumental variable, found that in the 2000 presidential election 'Republicans gained 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points in the towns that broadcast Fox News'.
2000: Fox News Influence on Republican Vote Share
A 2007 study, using the introduction of Fox News into local markets (1996–2000) as an instrumental variable, found that in the 2000 presidential election 'Republicans gained 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points in the towns that broadcast Fox News'.
2000: Fox News Lacks Ideological Tilt
Prior to 2000, Fox News lacked an ideological tilt, and more Democrats watched the channel than Republicans.
2001: Publication of 'The Death of the West'
In 2001, 'The Death of the West' was published.
2001: Fox News Launched on Stream TV in Italy
2001: Sean Hannity calls scientific consensus on climate change as phony science
In 2001, Sean Hannity described the scientific consensus on climate change as "phony science from the left".
2001: Introduction of News Ticker
In 2001, during the September 11 attacks, Fox News was the first news organization to run a news ticker on the bottom of the screen to keep up with the flow of information that day.
2001: Morning show fell out of first place
Ratings were down for Fox News in 2001. Although it remained ahead of other networks overall, its morning show fell out of first place for the first time since 2001.
August 2003: Fox News sues Al Franken over slogan use
In August 2003, Fox News sued comedian Al Franken over his use of the "Fair and Balanced" slogan as a subtitle for his book, Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.
December 2003: FNC wins legal battle concerning the slogan
In December 2003, FNC won a legal battle concerning the "Fair and Balanced" slogan, when AlterNet filed a cancellation petition with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to have FNC's trademark rescinded as inaccurate.
2003: Service to Japan Ceased
Although service to Japan ceased in summer 2003, it can still be seen on Americable (distributor for American bases), Mediatti (Kadena Air Base) and Pan Global TV Japan.
2003: Introduction of Fox News Radio
In 2003, Fox News introduced a radio division, Fox News Radio, which is syndicated throughout the United States.
2003: CRTC Denies Fox News Channel Application in Canada
In 2003, the CRTC denied an application requesting permission for Fox News Channel to be carried in Canada. This decision was due to Fox's plan to launch a joint venture with Canwest's Global Television Network, named Fox News Canada, featuring a mixture of U.S. and Canadian news programming.
March 2004: Fox News Canada Venture Shelved
In March 2004, a Fox executive announced that the joint venture with Canwest's Global Television Network, known as Fox News Canada, had been shelved.
2004: Pew Research Center Survey on Fox News
A 2004 Pew Research Center survey found Fox News was cited (unprompted) by 69 percent of national journalists as a conservative news organization.
2004: Fox News Coverage of John Kerry
During the 2004 United States presidential election, Fox News was markedly more hostile in its coverage of Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry and heavily covered the Swift Boat smear campaign against Kerry.
2004: Ratings surpass major broadcast networks during Republican National Convention
In 2004, Fox News' broadcast of the Republican National Convention achieved higher ratings than NBC, ABC, and CBS. Fox News attracted 7.3 million viewers nationally during President George W. Bush's address, compared to NBC's 5.9 million, ABC's 5.1 million, and CBS's 5.0 million.
2004: Release of 'Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism'
In 2004, Robert Greenwald's documentary film Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism argued Fox News had a conservative bias and featured clips from Fox News and internal memos from editorial vice president John Moody directing Fox News staff on how to report certain subjects.
2004: Sean Hannity Alleged Scientists Still Can't Agree on Global Warming
In 2004, Sean Hannity falsely alleged that "scientists still can't agree on whether the global warming is scientific fact or fiction".
2004: AlterNet included documentary film as supporting evidence
In December 2003, AlterNet included Robert Greenwald's 2004 documentary film Outfoxed as supporting evidence in its case to have FNC's trademark rescinded.
August 2005: Highest-ranked network on U.S. cable television since Hurricane Katrina
In prime time and total day ratings for the week of April 15 to 21, 2013, Fox News, propelled by its coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, was the highest-ranked network on U.S. cable television, for the first time since August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States.
2005: Brief decline in ratings
In late 2005, Fox News experienced a short decline in ratings.
September 2006: Fox News Dropped by TV8
2006: Ranked No. 8 in viewership among all cable channels
In 2006, FNC ranked No. 8 in viewership among all cable channels.
2006: Introduction of Fox News Talk
In 2006, Fox News introduced Fox News Talk, a satellite radio station featuring programs syndicated by Fox News personalities.
2006: Decline then surge in ratings, remains top-rated
In 2006, Fox News saw a decrease in ratings during the second quarter, with a decline in viewership for all prime-time programs compared to the previous quarter. However, following the 2006 North Korean missile test and the 2006 Lebanon War, Fox News saw a surge in viewership and maintained its position as the top-rated cable news channel.
2007: Fox News Influence on Republican Vote Share
A 2007 study found that in the 2000 presidential election, 'Republicans gained 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points in the towns that broadcast Fox News'.
2007: Private investigator makes outlandish claims on Fox News
In 2007 a private investigator made outlandish claims on Fox News warning of underground networks of pink pistol-toting lesbian gangs.
2007: Ranked No. 7 in viewership among all cable channels
In 2007, FNC ranked No. 7 in viewership among all cable channels.
2007: Partisan differences in views of Fox News have increased
The Pew Research Center's September 2009 report noted that "partisan differences in views of Fox News have increased substantially since 2007".
May 1, 2008: Fox News Channel Broadcasts in 720p Resolution
On May 1, 2008, Fox News Channel began broadcasting in the 720p resolution format.
September 2008: Introduction of The Strategy Room
In September 2008, Fox News Channel introduced a live streaming segment to its website called The Strategy Room, airing weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
2008: Fox News Attention to Polls
A 2008 study found Fox News gave disproportionate attention to polls suggesting low approval for President Bill Clinton.
2008: Ranked number one during week of Barack Obama's election
During the week of Barack Obama's election (November 3–9) in 2008, FNC ranked number one among all cable channels.
2008: Used slogan "We Report, You Decide"
In 2008, FNC used the slogan "We Report, You Decide", referring to "You Decide 2008" (FNC's original slogan for its coverage of election issues).
2008: Average of 557,000 viewers in the 25–54 age group
In 2008, Fox News had an average of 557,000 viewers in the 25–54 age group.
March 2009: Launch of The Fox Nation Website
In March 2009, The Fox Nation was launched as a website to encourage readers to post articles commenting on the news. Fox News Mobile was also launched, dedicated to streaming news clips formatted for video-enabled mobile phones.
June 2009: Chris Wallace on Fox News' Role
In June 2009, Fox News host Chris Wallace said: 'I think we are the counter-weight [to NBC News] ... they have a liberal agenda, and we tell the other side of the story.'
September 2009: Obama administration engages in verbal conflict with Fox News Channel
In September 2009, the Obama administration engaged in a verbal conflict with Fox News Channel. President Barack Obama appeared on all major news programs except Fox News on September 20, partially in response to remarks by commentators Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity.
September 2009: Pew Research Center report on public view of national news organizations
In September 2009, the Pew Research Center released a report indicating that while 72% of Republican Fox viewers rated the channel as "favorable", it also received the highest "unfavorable" rating of all national outlets studied (25% of all polled viewers).
September 2009: Obama administration officials criticize Fox News
In late September 2009, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel referred to Fox News Channel as "not a news network" and communications director Anita Dunn said "Fox News often operates as either the research arm or the communications arm of the Republican Party". Obama commented on media operating as talk radio.
October 11, 2009: Fox News' Hard-News Programming Schedule
On October 11, 2009, Fox News stated its hard-news programming runs from "9 AM to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on weekdays".
November 8, 2009: White House Warning to Democratic Consultant
On November 8, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that an unnamed Democratic consultant was allegedly warned by the White House not to appear on Fox News. A White House official denied the claims, while a Fox News contributor claimed other Democratic consultants received similar warnings.
2009: Pew Survey on Ideological Perception of Fox News
A 2009 Pew survey found Fox News is viewed as the most ideological channel in America, with 47 percent of those surveyed said Fox News is 'mostly conservative'.
2009: Fox News Story Selection
A 2009 study found Fox News was less likely to pick up stories that reflected well on Democrats, and more likely to pick up stories that reflected well on Republicans.
2009: Fox News Instructed Journalists to Dispute Climate Change Consensus
In 2009, Bill Sammon, the Fox News Washington managing editor, instructed Fox News journalists to dispute the scientific consensus on climate change and to question data suggesting the planet has warmed or cooled.
2009: Tapper defends Fox News
In 2009, Jake Tapper, then a White House correspondent for ABC News, defended Fox News after the Obama administration questioned its legitimacy as a news organization. This was before the 2017 incident where Fox News distorted Tapper's statement.
January 2010: Reached top spot during special Senate election in Massachusetts
In January 2010, Fox News reached the top spot again during the week of the special Senate election in Massachusetts.
January 2010: Fox News Discontinued on Prime in New Zealand
In January 2010, Fox News was discontinued from being broadcast overnight on free-to-air UHF New Zealand TV channel Prime, reportedly due to an expiring broadcasting license.
2010: Glenn Beck promotes conspiracy theories about George Soros
During his time at Fox News, Glenn Beck became a prominent promoter of conspiracy theories about George Soros. In 2010, Beck aired a three-part series depicting Soros as a villain seeking a one-world government and promoted false and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about Soros's past.
2010: Fox News Mobilizes Voters
In 2010, Fox News helped Republicans communicate with their base, spread their ideas, and mobilize voters to participate in midterm elections.
2010: Overall audience increasing
In 2010, Fox News increased its overall audience from 1.89 million in 2010.
2010: Hannity Claims 'Climategate' Exposed Global Warming as Myth
In 2010, Sean Hannity referred to the "Climategate" scandal as exposing global warming as a myth, despite subsequent inquiries finding no evidence of scientific misconduct or wrongdoing. Hannity frequently invites contrarian fringe scientists and critics of climate change to his shows.
2010: Positive perceptions declined since 2010
In 2013, a Public Policy Polling poll indicated that positive perceptions of FNC had declined from 2010.
2011: Fox News Provides Platform for Climate Change Denial
In 2011, James Lawrence Powell's study indicated that Fox News provides "the deniers with a platform to say whatever they like without fear of contradiction." Fox News employs Steve Milloy, a prominent climate change denier with ties to oil companies, as a contributor, without disclosing his funding sources in his FoxNews.com columns.
2011: Fox & Friends Hosts Describe Climate Change as Unproven
In 2011, hosts of Fox & Friends described climate change as "unproven science" and a "disputed fact," criticizing efforts by the Department of Education and Nickelodeon to educate children about climate change.
October 22, 2012: Record for highest-rated telecast
On October 22, 2012, Fox News set a record for its highest-rated telecast, with 11.5 million viewers for the third U.S. presidential debate.
December 2012: Extensive coverage of the 2012 Benghazi attack
Fox News provided extensive coverage of the 2012 Benghazi attack, which host Sean Hannity described in December 2012 as a cover-up.
2012: Fox News' Coverage of the 2012 Presidential Election
In 2012, David Carr of The New York Times praised Fox News' coverage of the 2012 United States presidential election for its response to Karl Rove challenging its call that Barack Obama would win Ohio and the election. Fox's prediction was correct.
October 2, 2013: Fox News airs fake story
On October 2, 2013, Fox News host Anna Kooiman cited on the air a fake story from the National Report parody site, which claimed Obama had offered to keep the International Museum of Muslim Cultures open with cash from his own pocket.
2013: 94% of Fox viewers identify or lean Republican
According to a 2013 Gallup poll, 94% of Fox viewers "either identify as or lean Republican".
2013: Mostly aged demographic
As indicated by a 2013 New York Times article, based on Nielsen statistics, Fox appears to have a mostly aged demographic.
2013: Viewership drop in the 25-54 age group
In 2013, Fox News's viewership dropped to 379,000 in the 25-54 age group while increasing its overall audience to 2.02 million.
2013: Positive perceptions declined
In 2013, a Public Policy Polling poll concluded that positive perceptions of FNC had declined from 2010. 41% of polled voters said they trust it, down from 49% in 2010, while 46% said they distrust it, up from 37% in 2010.
2013: Murdoch defends the company's "Fair and Balanced" slogan
In a 2013 interview with Peter Robinson of the Hoover Institution, Rupert Murdoch defended the company's "Fair and Balanced" slogan.
2013: Fox News was the highest-ranked network on U.S. cable television
In prime time and total day ratings for the week of April 15 to 21, 2013, Fox News, propelled by its coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, was the highest-ranked network on U.S. cable television.
2014: Fox News Influence on Congressional Representatives
A 2014 study found congressional 'representatives become less supportive of President Clinton in districts where Fox News begins broadcasting than similar representatives in similar districts where Fox News was not broadcast.'
2014: Fox News Mobilizes Voters
In 2014, Fox News helped Republicans communicate with their base, spread their ideas, and mobilize voters to participate in midterm elections.
2015: Fox News Influence on Republican Vote Share
A 2015 study confirmed the results of a 2007 study which found that in the 2000 presidential election, 'Republicans gained 0.4 to 0.7 percentage points in the towns that broadcast Fox News'.
2015: Median age of a prime-time viewer was 68
As of 2015, the median age of a Fox News' prime-time viewer was 68.
2015: Fox News Prime-Time Lineup Changes
From 2015 to 2017, the Fox News prime-time lineup changed from being skeptical and questioning of Trump to a 'Trump safe space, with a dose of Bannonist populism once considered on the fringe'.
August 2016: Began phasing out the "Fair and Balanced" slogan
In August 2016, Fox News Channel began to quietly phase out the "Fair and Balanced" slogan in favor of "Most Watched, Most Trusted".
2016: Third most-shared source among Trump supporters on Twitter during election
A 2017 study by the Berkman Klein Center found that during the 2016 presidential election, Fox News was the third most-shared source among supporters of Donald Trump on Twitter.
2016: Fox News develops new election calling system
After the 2016 election, Fox News developed a cutting-edge system to call elections.
2016: Political Shift Towards Pro-Trump
By 2016, Fox News politically shifted further rightwards and became solidly pro-Trump.
2016: Publication of 'Hillbilly Elegy'
In 2016, 'Hillbilly Elegy' was published.
2016: Fox News Kills Stormy Daniels Story
In 2016, Fox News allegedly killed Diana Falzone's story on the Stormy Daniels-Donald Trump scandal before the election, according to The New Yorker's report in March 2019.
2016: Fox News Coverage of Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Fox News dedicated far more coverage to Hillary Clinton-related stories, which critics argued was intended to deflect attention from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
2016: Rupert Murdoch Becomes Executive Chairman
In 2016, Rupert Murdoch became the executive chairman of Fox News.
2016: Fox News Raises Profile of Democratic Controversies
In 2016, according to the book Asymmetric Politics, Fox News highlighted scandals and controversies involving Democrats, such as the relationship between Barack Obama and William Ayers.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election
October 2017 was when the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election intensified in October 2017
2016: Trump 2016 Campaign
October 30, 2017 Robert Mueller indicted Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, and revealed George Papadopoulos had pleaded guilty who were involved in the Trump 2016 campaign
2016: Hosted first prime-time GOP candidates' forum
On August 6, 2016, Fox News hosted the first prime-time GOP candidates' forum of the 2016 campaign. The debate reached a record-breaking 24 million viewers.
January 2017: Fox News renews Bill O'Reilly's contract after sexual harassment settlement
In January 2017, shortly after Bill O'Reilly settled a sexual harassment lawsuit for $32 million, Fox News renewed his contract despite being aware of the lawsuit.
March 14, 2017: Andrew Napolitano's Claim on Fox & Friends
On March 14, 2017, Andrew Napolitano, a Fox News commentator, claimed on Fox & Friends that British intelligence agency GCHQ had wiretapped Trump on behalf of Barack Obama during the 2016 United States presidential election.
March 16, 2017: White House Spokesman Repeats Claim
On March 16, 2017, White House spokesman Sean Spicer repeated the claim that British intelligence agency GCHQ had wiretapped Trump on behalf of Barack Obama during the 2016 United States presidential election.
March 17, 2017: Fox News Admits No Evidence of Surveillance
On March 17, 2017, Shepard Smith, a Fox News anchor, admitted the network had no evidence that Trump was under surveillance. Napolitano was later suspended by Fox News for making the claim.
April 2017: Susan Rice Unmasking Controversy
In April 2017, it was revealed that Susan Rice, former Obama administration national security advisor, sought the unmasking of Trump associates in intelligence reports during the presidential transition.
May 2017: Hannity calls Ailes 'a second father'
In May 2017, Sean Hannity called Roger Ailes "a second father" after Ailes had been fired from Fox News over sexual harassment allegations.
May 2017: Harvard Study on Coverage of Trump's First 100 Days
In May 2017, a Harvard University study examined coverage of Trump's first 100 days in office by several major mainstream media outlets including Fox. It found Trump received 80% negative coverage from the overall media, and received the least negative coverage on Fox – 52% negative and 48% positive.
May 16, 2017: Fox News Runs Lead Story on Seth Rich Conspiracy Theory
On May 16, 2017, Fox News ran a lead story about a private investigator's uncorroborated claims about the murder of Seth Rich, a DNC staffer, while other news organizations covered Donald Trump's revelation of classified information to Russia. This reignited right-wing conspiracy theories about the killing.
June 2017: Changes reported by Gabriel Sherman
When these changes were reported in June 2017 by Gabriel Sherman (a writer who had written a biography on Ailes), a network executive said the change "has nothing to do with programming or editorial decisions".
July 2017: Fox & Friends Falsely Accuses The New York Times
In July 2017, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times disclosed intelligence that aided Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, in evading capture. This report, amplified by President Donald Trump, led to criticism of "The Failing New York Times". Fox News later updated the story without issuing an apology.
August 29, 2017: Sky Drops Fox News in the United Kingdom
On August 29, 2017, Sky dropped Fox News in the United Kingdom. The broadcaster cited a lack of commercial viability due to low viewership, averaging fewer than 2,000 viewers per day. The decision was stated to be unrelated to 21st Century Fox's proposed acquisition of Sky plc.
September 2017: Hannity hosts Bill O'Reilly on his show after O'Reilly's firing
In September 2017, Sean Hannity hosted Bill O'Reilly on his show after O'Reilly was fired from Fox News in the wake of sexual harassment allegations. Some Fox News employees criticized the decision.
October 2017: Fox News's extensive coverage of Harvey Weinstein scandal
In October 2017, Fox News dedicated significant coverage to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, which was seen by some as hypocritical given the network's handling of sexual harassment allegations against Bill O'Reilly.
October 2017: Fox News Focuses on Clinton's 'Scandal' During Mueller Investigation
In October 2017, as the Mueller investigation intensified, Fox News coverage shifted to perceived scandals and wrongdoing by President Trump's political opponents, particularly Bill and Hillary Clinton.
October 30, 2017: Fox News Coverage of Mueller Indictments and Clinton Allegations
On October 30, 2017, while other media focused on the indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, Fox News hosts called for Mueller to be fired and focused on allegations against Hillary Clinton.
November 1, 2017: Vox Analysis of Cable News Coverage
On November 1, 2017, Vox analyzed transcripts of Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, finding that Fox News frequently mentioned Hillary Clinton and questioned Mueller's credibility while discussing the Russia investigation.
November 2017: Trump's Access to Fox News
By November 2017, during his presidency, Donald Trump had given 19 interviews to Fox News while only 6 in total to other news channels. The New York Times described Trump's Fox News interviews as 'softball interviews' and some of the interviewers' interview styles as 'fawning'.
November 2017: Fox News Distorts Jake Tapper's Statement
In November 2017, Fox News distorted a statement by Jake Tapper about the phrase "Allahu Akbar" following the New York City truck attack, omitting crucial context and falsely portraying his words. This led to widespread criticism and accusations of deliberate falsehoods. The Fox News Twitter account further distorted the statement, but the tweet was later deleted.
November 2017: Shepard Smith Debunks Uranium One Scandal
In November 2017, Fox News host Shepard Smith refuted the alleged Uranium One scandal, which led to backlash from viewers and disagreement with other Fox News personalities.
December 2017: Fox News Attacks Mueller Investigation
In December 2017, Fox News escalated its attacks on the Mueller investigation, with hosts and guests suggesting it amounted to a coup and calling for the arrest of the investigation team.
December 2017: Fox News runs inaccurate headline about Roy Moore accuser
In December 2017, Fox News, along with other websites, ran an inaccurate headline which claimed one of Roy Moore's accusers admitted to forging an inscription by Roy Moore in her yearbook; Fox News later added a correction to the story.
2017: Fox News Influence on Republican Vote Share
A 2017 study found 'Fox News increases Republican vote shares by 0.3 points among viewers induced into watching 2.5 additional minutes per week by variation in position.'
2017: Fox's Prime-Time Programming Compared to Propaganda
By 2017, studies found Fox's prime-time programming engaged in rhetorical and nonfactual themes similar to propaganda, playing a major role in boosting Republican turnout.
2017: Publication of 'The Benedict Option'
In 2017, 'The Benedict Option' was published.
2017: Study finds Fox News was the third most-shared source among Trump supporters on Twitter during election
In 2017, a study by the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University found that Fox News was the third most-shared source among supporters of Donald Trump on Twitter during the 2016 presidential election.
March 2018: Introduced new ad campaign, Real News. Real Honest Opinion.
In March 2018, Fox News introduced a new ad campaign, Real News. Real Honest Opinion, intended to promote opinion-based programming and counter perceptions surrounding "fake news".
April 9, 2018: Federal Agents Serve Search Warrant on Michael Cohen
On April 9, 2018, federal agents served a search warrant on Michael Cohen's office and residence. Fox News host Sean Hannity, who had defended Cohen on air, criticized the action as "highly questionable" and an "unprecedented abuse of power".
April 2018: Controversy over Sean Hannity and Michael Cohen
In April 2018, Fox News faced controversy when it was revealed that primetime host Sean Hannity had defended Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, on air without disclosing that Cohen was his lawyer.
April 16, 2018: Cohen's Lawyers Reveal Sean Hannity as a Client
On April 16, 2018, in a court hearing, Michael Cohen's lawyers revealed that Sean Hannity was one of his clients. This revelation occurred after Hannity defended Cohen on air without disclosing their attorney-client relationship.
June 2018: Fox News Executives Instruct Producers
In June 2018, Fox News executives instructed producers to head off inappropriate remarks made on the shows aired by the network by hosts and commentators, following incendiary comments about the Trump administration's policy of separating migrant children from their parents.
July 2018: The Economist on Fox News' Coverage of Trump
In July 2018, The Economist described Fox News' coverage of Trump's presidency as 'reliably fawning'.
August 2018: Fox News Coverage of Murder vs. Manafort and Cohen Convictions
In August 2018, Fox News was criticized for giving more prominent coverage to a murder committed by an undocumented immigrant than to the convictions of Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former aides.
September 2018: Fox News Reach
By September 2018, Fox News could reach 87 million U.S. households, representing 91% of television subscribers, illustrating its widespread availability.
October 2018: Fox News Praises Kanye West's Meeting with Trump
In October 2018, Fox News provided favorable coverage of a meeting between rapper Kanye West, a Trump supporter, and President Trump in the Oval Office, contrasting with the network's previous negative reports on rappers associated with Democratic causes.
October 2018: Ranked roughly in the center of trust in news organizations
In an October 2018 Simmons Research survey of the trust in 38 news organizations, Fox News was ranked roughly in the center, with 44.7% of surveyed Americans saying they trusted it.
November 4, 2018: Sean Hannity's Appearance at Trump Rally
On November 4, 2018, it was announced that Fox News host Sean Hannity would make an appearance at a Trump rally. The following night Hannity mocked the 'fake news' at the back of the auditorium. Hannity and Fox News stated it was not pre-planned, and the network does not condone talent participating in campaign events.
December 30, 2018: America's most watched cable network in 2018
In 2018, Fox News was rated by Nielsen as America's most watched cable network, averaging a record 2.4 million viewers in prime time and total day during the period of January 1 to December 30, 2018.
2018: Publication of 'Why Liberalism Failed'
In 2018, 'Why Liberalism Failed' was published.
2018: Fox News to Launch Fox Nation
In 2018, Fox News announced that it would launch a subscription video on demand service known as Fox Nation, carrying original and acquired programming.
2018: Fox News election calling system success during midterm elections.
In 2018, Fox News' new election calling system proved very successful during the midterm elections.
2018: Fox NFL Thursday Pregame Show
Starting in 2018, Thursday Night Football had its pregame show, Fox NFL Thursday, originating from Studio F.
March 2019: The New Yorker Report on Diana Falzone's Story
In March 2019, Jane Mayer reported in The New Yorker that Fox News.com reporter Diana Falzone had the story of the Stormy Daniels–Donald Trump scandal before the 2016 election, but that Fox News executive Ken LaCorte told her to kill the story.
June 16, 2019: Fox News Poll and Misrepresentation of Results
On June 16, 2019, Fox News released a poll showing unfavorable results for Trump, including that 50% of respondents thought the Trump campaign had coordinated with the Russian government and should be impeached. The next morning on Fox & Friends First, host Heather Childers misrepresented the poll results.
October 2019: Shepard Smith Leaves Fox News
Shepard Smith, known for acknowledging the reality of climate change, left Fox News in October 2019 after facing criticism for his views. He was one of the few voices on Fox News to forcefully state that climate change is real, that human activities are a primary contributor to it and that there is a scientific consensus on the issue.
2019: 69% of viewers are aged 50 or older
A 2019 Pew Research Center survey showed that among those who named Fox News as their main source for political news, 69% are aged 50 or older.
2019: Fox News Report Falsely Claims Earth Heading to New Ice Age
In 2019, Fox News falsely claimed that new climate science research showed that the Earth might be heading to a new Ice Age, but later corrected the story after the study's author stated that Fox News "utterly misrepresents our research".
2019: Top-Rated Cable Network
In 2019, Fox News was the top-rated cable network, averaging 2.5 million viewers in prime time, demonstrating its popularity and viewership.
2019: Trump Criticizes Fox News Personalities
In 2019, Trump criticized Fox News anchors Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace, as well as analyst Andrew Napolitano, for being adversarial. He also criticized the network for hiring former DNC chair Donna Brazile.
2019: 93% of viewers identify as Republican
The 2019 Pew survey showed that among people who named Fox News as their main source for political and election news, 93% identify as Republicans.
January 2020: Pew Research Center study on trust in Fox News
A January 2020 Pew Research Center study found that 43% of all American adults trusted Fox News, including 65% of Republicans, while 61% of Democrats distrusted Fox News.
May 2020: Grenell Declassifies Unmasking List
In May 2020, Richard Grenell declassified a list of Obama administration officials who had requested unmasking of Trump associates. Fox News primetime hosts called the unmaskings a "domestic spying operation".
August 19, 2020: Six of last week's 11 highest-rated prime-time programs
According to the Los Angeles Times on August 19, 2020, Fox News Channel had six of last week's 11 highest-rated prime-time programs to finish first in the network ratings race for the third time since June 2020.
November 2020: Hannity hosts Sidney Powell, expresses disbelief in her claims
In November 2020, Sean Hannity hosted Sidney Powell, who asserted Dominion machines had been rigged. However, Hannity said in his deposition that he did not believe her claims for one second.
November 2020: Began using the slogan "Standing Up For What's Right"
In mid-November 2020, following the election, Fox News began to use the slogan "Standing Up For What's Right" to promote its primetime lineup.
November 2020: Fox CEO criticizes fact-checking
One November 2020 communication showed Fox CEO Suzanne Scott criticizing fact-checking, stating the audience feels like "we crapped on" them.
November 2020: Carlson accuses Powell of lying, Ingraham calls Powell and Giuliani nuts
One November 2020 exchange showed Tucker Carlson accusing Sidney Powell of "lying" and Laura Ingraham responding that "Sidney is a complete nut. No one will work with her. Ditto with Rudy".
December 2020: Fox CEO demands fact-checking to stop
A December 2020 communication showed Fox CEO Suzanne Scott responding to Fox presenter Eric Shawn's fact-checking of Donald Trump's false 2020 election claims by demanding that the fact-checking "has to stop now."
December 2020: Dominion demands retractions from Sidney Powell
In December 2020, Dominion Voting Systems sent a letter demanding retractions to Trump attorney Sidney Powell, who had promoted allegations about Dominion on Fox programs.
December 2020: Smartmatic Demands Retractions From Fox News
In December 2020, Smartmatic sent a letter to Fox News demanding retractions for baseless allegations promoted by hosts Jeanine Pirro, Lou Dobbs, and Maria Bartiromo that Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems conspired to rig the 2020 presidential election against Trump.
2020: Decline in favorable opinion among Republicans after Election Day
A Morning Consult survey the week after Election Day 2020 showed a decline in the favorable opinion of Fox News among Republicans in the United States, compared to before the election, suggested as a result of criticism from Donald Trump and the network's early calling of Arizona for Joe Biden.
2020: Promotion of Trump and the Republican Party
During and after the 2020 presidential election, Fox News, including its primetime hosts, promoted Trump and the Republican Party, with host Jeanine Pirro in communication with the chair of the Republican National Committee.
2020: Decline in ratings after the U.S. presidential election
Following a decline in ratings after the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Fox News's morning show fell out of first place for the first time since 2001.
2020: Relationship Between Trump and Fox News Sours After 2020 Election
Following the 2020 United States presidential election, the relationship between Trump and Fox News deteriorated as Trump refused to concede. This led to increased viewership of Newsmax and One America News.
2020: Fox Democracy 2020 in Studio F
In 2020, Fox Democracy 2020 was broadcasted from Studio F.
2020: Fox News Settles Seth Rich Lawsuit
In 2020, Fox News settled with the Rich family over their lawsuit regarding emotional distress caused by false reporting on the Seth Rich murder. The payment was reported to be in the seven figures, with the public announcement delayed until after the 2020 presidential election.
2020: Media Matters reports violent crime decline significantly since 2020
Media Matters reported in September 2024 that violent crime had declined significantly since 2020, during the Biden presidency
2020: Judge references 2020 election in Dominion case ruling.
On March 31, 2023, Delaware Superior Court judge Eric Davis ruled that it "is CRYSTAL clear that none of the statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true" and ordered the case to go to trial.
2020: Controversies and False Claims
Since 2020, Fox News has endorsed false conspiracy theories, including those related to Dominion voting machines during the 2020 presidential election, climate change denial, and COVID-19 misinformation. It has also faced controversies including sexual harassment and racial discrimination accusations.
2020: Highest-rated quarter in network's history due to COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased viewership for all cable news networks, and in the first calendar quarter of 2020 (January 1 – March 31), Fox News had their highest-rated quarter in the network's history.
January 1, 2021: Fox News Channel Temporarily Removed from Cignal
On January 1, 2021, Fox News Channel was temporarily removed from Cignal in the Philippines due to contract expiration.
January 2021: Murdoch urges focus on Georgia runoff election
As a January 2021 Georgia runoff election approached, Rupert Murdoch told Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott that Trump would concede eventually and they should concentrate on Georgia, helping any way they can.
January 2021: Bill Sammon fired after Georgia runoff
Bill Sammon was fired by Fox News after the January 2021 Georgia runoff election.
February 2021: Smartmatic Files Defamation Suit Against Fox News
In February 2021, Smartmatic filed a $2.7 billion defamation suit against Fox News, hosts Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo, Jeanine Pirro, Sidney Powell, and Rudy Giuliani for promoting false claims about the 2020 election.
February 2021: Poynter Institute Argues Fox News Content is Not Based in Truth
In February 2021, Tom Jones of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies argued that much of the content on Fox News, especially during primetime, "is not based in truth".
March 26, 2021: Dominion files $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News
On March 26, 2021, Dominion Voting Systems filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, alleging that Fox and some of its pundits spread conspiracy theories about Dominion, and allowed guests to make false statements about the company.
April 2021: Fox Argues Reporting Allegations Made by President
In April 2021, Fox attorney Paul Clement argued in court that the network was simply "reporting allegations made by a sitting President and his lawyers" in response to the Smartmatic defamation suit.
April 2021: Fox News personalities amplify false story about Biden's climate agenda and meat consumption
In April 2021, at least five Fox News and Fox Business personalities amplified a story published by the Daily Mail, that incorrectly linked a university study to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda, to falsely assert that Americans would be compelled to dramatically reduce their meat consumption. Days later, John Roberts acknowledged on air that the story was false.
May 12, 2021: Fox News reports Biden resumes border wall construction, later clarifies
On May 12, 2021, Fox News initially reported on its website that "Biden resumes border wall construction after promising to halt it." The story was later updated to clarify that a levee wall was being constructed to mitigate damage to flood control systems, and the headline was changed.
August 2021: Fox News Coordinated with DeSantis Aides
In August 2021, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Fox News producers had coordinated with aides of Florida governor Ron DeSantis to promote his political prospects.
September 2021: Fox News Questions COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy and Safety
By September 2021, more than 90% of Fox Corporation's full-time employees had been fully vaccinated, while Fox News questioned the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine and blasted attempts to promote vaccinations on air.
December 2021: Majed Khalil sues Fox, Dobbs, and Powell for defamation
In December 2021, Venezuelan businessman Majed Khalil sued Fox, Lou Dobbs, and Sidney Powell for $250 million, alleging they falsely implicated him in rigging Dominion and Smartmatic machines.
2021: False and Misleading Claims
According to NewsGuard, in 2021 FoxNews.com has regularly advanced false and misleading claims on topics including the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the Russo-Ukrainian War, COVID-19, and U.S. elections.
2021: Shepard Smith Says Presence on Fox News Became Untenable
In 2021, Shepard Smith stated in an interview that his presence on Fox News had become "untenable" due to the "falsehoods" and "lies" intentionally spread on the network's opinion shows.
2021: Shift to More Opinions-About-The-News
In 2021, it was observed that Fox News had adjusted its programming to present "less news on the air and more opinions-about-the-news" due to competition from more conservative outlets.
2021: Fox News Settles Human Rights Complaint
In mid-2021, Fox News agreed to pay a $1 million settlement to New York City after the Commission on Human Rights cited "a pattern of violating the NYC Human Rights Law". Fox News claimed compliance but settled to enact preventive measures against discrimination and harassment.
March 2022: Court Rules Smartmatic Suit Can Proceed
In March 2022, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that the Smartmatic defamation suit against Fox News could proceed, dismissing allegations against Sidney Powell and Jeanine Pirro and some claims against Giuliani, but allowing allegations against Maria Bartiromo and Lou Dobbs to stand.
June 2022: Dominion suit against Fox News not dismissed; Fox Corporation can be sued
In June 2022, a Delaware Superior Court judge declined to dismiss the Dominion suit against Fox News, and also allowed Dominion to sue the network's corporate parent, Fox Corporation. The judge also ruled that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch may have acted with actual malice.
June 16, 2022: Fox News Channel Returns to Cignal in the Philippines
On June 16, 2022, Fox News Channel returned to Cignal in the Philippines.
2022: Violent crime data for 2022 used in crime report
In September 2024, Media Matters reported that weeks before the 2024 presidential election, the FBI released crime data for 2023 showing that violent crime had declined 3% from 2022.
February 2023: Dominion court filing reveals Fox News hosts disparaging Trump advisers
A February 2023 Dominion court filing showed Fox News primetime hosts messaging each other to insult and mock Trump advisers, indicating the hosts knew the allegations made by Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani were false.
February 2023: Release of Fox's internal communications showing doubt over Trump's stolen election claims
In February 2023, Fox's internal communications were released, showing that its presenters and senior executives privately doubted Donald Trump's claims of a stolen election.
February 2023: Court Reinstates Defamation Allegations Against Giuliani and Pirro
In February 2023, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division unanimously rejected a Fox News bid to dismiss the Smartmatic suit and reinstated defamation allegations against Rudy Giuliani and Jeanine Pirro.
March 2023: More of Fox's internal communications released
In March 2023, more of Fox's internal communications were released, revealing concerns about fact-checking and audience perception.
March 31, 2023: Judge rules statements about Dominion were false, orders trial
On March 31, 2023, Delaware Superior Court judge Eric Davis ruled that it "is CRYSTAL clear that none of the statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true" and ordered the case to go to trial.
April 2023: Fox News settles with Majed Khalil
In April 2023, Fox News and Lou Dobbs reached a confidential settlement with Majed Khalil, who had sued them for defamation.
April 18, 2023: Fox News settles with Dominion for $787.5 million
On April 18, 2023, Fox News reached a settlement with Dominion just before the trial started, agreeing to pay $787.5 million and acknowledging that certain claims about Dominion were false, concluding the lawsuit.
May 2023: CRTC Opens Public Consultation on Fox News Channel
In May 2023, the CRTC announced it would open a public consultation regarding Fox News Channel's carriage in Canada. This was prompted by complaints from LGBT advocacy group Egale Canada, concerning an episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight that allegedly contained "malicious misinformation" regarding trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit communities.
2023: Fox News' Profit Generation
In 2023, Fox News generates approximately 70% of its parent company's pre-tax profit, solidifying its financial importance within Fox Corporation.
2023: News Corporation Merger Plan Ditched
In 2023, Murdoch abandoned a plan to remerge News Corporation with Fox due to investor resistance. Also in 2023, Murdoch announced his plans to step down, and that his son Lachlan would take over both Fox Corporation and News Corp.
2023: Rupert Murdoch Steps Down
In 2023, Rupert Murdoch announced he would step down from his executive chairman role, handing responsibilities to his son, Lachlan Murdoch.
2023: Rupert Murdoch testifies some Fox News commentators endorsed false election fraud claims
In 2023, Rupert Murdoch was deposed and testified that some Fox News commentators were endorsing election fraud claims they knew were false.
2023: FBI releases crime data for 2023 showing decline in violent crime
In September 2024, Media Matters reported that weeks before the 2024 presidential election, the FBI released crime data for 2023 showing that violent crime had declined 3% from 2022.
February 2024: Fox News as Entertainment Company
In February 2024, Alan Rosenblatt of Johns Hopkins University said that Fox News "is an entertainment company that has a news division, not a news company".
March 2024: Most watched news network in total day and prime time viewers
In March 2024, Fox was the most watched news network in total day and prime time viewers in primetime.
September 2024: Media Matters reports Fox News promoted false 'crime crisis' narrative
Media Matters reported in September 2024 that during the Biden presidency Fox News had promoted a false "crime crisis" narrative, particularly directed toward undocumented migrants. The Fox News coverage was limited to a 28-second segment by evening anchor Bret Baier.
2024: Jesse Watters Promotes Conspiracy Theory Involving Taylor Swift
In early 2024, Fox News host Jesse Watters promoted a conspiracy theory involving Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and the Democratic Party in hopes of influencing voters ahead of the U.S. presidential primary season.
September 2025: Lachlan Murdoch Secures Control of Fox News
In September 2025, Lachlan Murdoch secured control of Fox News, the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal in a $3.3 billion dollar deal.
2050: Expiration of Trust Ensuring Conservative Slant
The new trust and Lachlan's control was described as ensuring the channel's conservative slant until its expiration in 2050.
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