History of Fox News in Timeline
Fox News Channel (FNC) is a U.S.-based multinational conservative news and political commentary television channel and website owned by Fox News Media, which itself is owned by the Fox Corporation. Headquartered in New York City, it is the most-watched cable news network in the U.S. As of 2023, it generates a significant portion of its parent company's pre-tax profit. Fox News broadcasts from Midtown Manhattan and provides services to numerous countries and territories.
May 1985: Murdoch and Davis Announce Plans for Fourth Network
In May 1985, Rupert Murdoch and Marvin Davis announced their intention to develop a network of independent stations to compete with CBS, NBC, and ABC.
July 1985: Murdoch Purchases 50% of Fox Filmed Entertainment
In July 1985, 20th Century Fox announced that Rupert Murdoch had completed his purchase of 50% of Fox Filmed Entertainment, the parent company of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
1989: Sky News Launches in the UK
In 1989, News Corporation's BSkyB subsidiary launched Sky News in the United Kingdom, marking Europe's first 24-hour news channel.
December 1995: Fox News Website Introduced
In December 1995, the Fox News website was introduced, featuring news articles and videos about national and international news, divided into sections such as politics, media, U.S., and business.
January 30, 1996: News Corp. Announces Launch of 24-Hour News Channel
On January 30, 1996, Rupert Murdoch announced that News Corp. would launch a 24-hour news channel on cable and satellite systems in the United States as part of a News Corp. "worldwide platform" for Fox programming.
February 1996: Roger Ailes Hired to Start Fox News Channel
In February 1996, after leaving America's Talking, Roger Ailes was hired by Rupert Murdoch to start the Fox News Channel.
October 7, 1996: Fox News Channel Launches
On October 7, 1996, the Fox News Channel was launched to 17 million cable subscribers, marking the beginning of the network's presence in the media landscape.
1996: Fox News starts in local markets
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: Study finds Fox News increases Republican vote shares
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".
September 11, 2001: Fox News Introduces News Ticker
During the September 11, 2001 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.
2001: Sean Hannity calls scientific consensus on climate change "phony science"
In 2001, Sean Hannity called the scientific consensus on climate change "phony science from the left".
2001: Fox News launches on Stream TV in Italy
November 1, 2002: Fox News Channel reaches Brazil through Sky Brasil
On November 1, 2002, FNC reached Brazil through Sky Brasil, after being introduced at ABTA 2002.
January 8, 2003: Sky Brasil adds interactive functions for Fox News Channel
On January 8, 2003, Sky Brasil added interactive functions for the channel exclusively from the provider.
2003: Fox News Radio Introduced
In 2003, Fox News introduced a radio division, Fox News Radio, which is syndicated throughout the United States and provides short newscasts and talk radio programs.
March 2004: Fox News Canada venture shelved
In March 2004, a Fox executive said the planned joint venture with Canwest's Global Television Network, tentatively named Fox News Canada, had been shelved.
2004: Pew Research Center survey finds FNC cited as conservative news organization
A 2004 Pew Research Center survey found FNC was cited by 69 percent of national journalists as a conservative news organization.
2004: Asymmetric Politics mentions 2004 attacks on John Kerry
According to the 2016 book Asymmetric Politics by political scientists Matt Grossmann and David A. Hopkins, "Fox News tends to raise the profile of scandals and controversies involving Democrats that receive scant attention in other media, such as the 2004 attacks on John Kerry by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth".
2004: Fox News Ratings Exceed Major Broadcast Networks
In 2004, Fox News' ratings for its broadcast of the Republican National Convention exceeded those of the three major broadcast networks during President George W. Bush's address.
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.
2004: Sean Hannity falsely claims scientists disagree 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".
2005: Study comparing Fox News and NBC coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
A 2010 study comparing Fox News Channel's Special Report With Brit Hume and NBC's Nightly News coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during 2005 concluded "Fox News was much more sympathetic to the administration than NBC".
2005: Fox News Ratings Decline
Between late 2005 and early 2006, Fox News experienced a brief decline in ratings.
2006: Fox News Channel Viewership Ranking
In 2006, FNC ranked No. 8 in viewership among all cable channels.
2006: Fox News Talk Introduced
In 2006, the company introduced Fox News Talk, a satellite radio station featuring programs syndicated by Fox News personalities.
2007: Study finds Fox News increases Republican vote shares
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: Fox News Channel Viewership Ranking
In 2007, FNC ranked No. 7 in viewership among all cable channels.
2007: Private Investigator makes "outlandish claims" on Fox News
In 2007, a private investigator appeared on Fox News and made outlandish claims, warning that underground networks of pink pistol-toting lesbian gangs were raping young women.
2007: Partisan Differences Increase
The 2009 Pew Research Center report indicated that "partisan differences in views of Fox News have increased substantially since 2007".
May 1, 2008: Fox News Broadcasts in 720p Resolution
On May 1, 2008, Fox News Channel began broadcasting in the 720p resolution format, which is available on all major cable and satellite providers.
September 2008: The Strategy Room Launched
In September 2008, Fox News Channel joined other channels in introducing a live streaming segment to its website called The Strategy Room, designed to appeal to older viewers with informal discussions and running commentary on the news.
2008: Study finds disproportionate attention to negative polls for Bill Clinton
A 2008 study found Fox News gave disproportionate attention to polls suggesting low approval for President Bill Clinton.
2008: Fox News Channel Ranks Number One During Obama's Election
During the week of Barack Obama's election (November 3–9) in 2008, Fox News ranked number one.
March 2009: The Fox Nation Launched
In March 2009, The Fox Nation was launched as a website intended to encourage readers to post articles commenting on the news.
June 2009: Chris Wallace comments 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
In September 2009, the Obama administration engaged in a verbal conflict with Fox News Channel. On September 20, President Barack Obama appeared on all major news programs except Fox News.
September 2009: Pew Research Center Report on Public View of Fox News
In September 2009, the Pew Research Center published a report that found 72 percent of polled Republican Fox viewers rated the channel as "favorable," while 43 percent of polled Democratic viewers and 55 percent of all polled viewers shared that opinion. However, Fox was given the highest "unfavorable" rating of all national outlets studied (25 percent of all polled viewers).
September 2009: Obama administration officials criticize Fox News
In late September 2009, Obama's senior advisor David Axelrod and Roger Ailes met in secret to attempt to smooth out tensions between the two camps. Two weeks later, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel referred to FNC as "not a news network".
October 11, 2009: Fox News Outlines Hard-News Programming Hours
In an October 11, 2009, New York Times article, Fox News said its hard-news programming runs from "9 AM to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on weekdays."
November 8, 2009: Report of White House warning Democrats to avoid Fox News
On November 8, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported an unnamed Democratic consultant was warned by the White House not to appear on Fox News again.
2009: Pew survey finds Fox News viewed as most ideological channel
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: Study finds bias in story selection at Fox News
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
In 2009, Bill Sammon, the Fox News Washington managing editor, instructed Fox News journalists to dispute the scientific consensus on climate change.
2009: Tapper Defends Fox News
In 2009, Jake Tapper, then a White House correspondent for ABC News, defended Fox News after the Obama administration claimed it was not a legitimate news organization.
January 2010: Discontinuation of Fox News broadcast on Prime
In January 2010, Fox News' overnight broadcast on New Zealand's free-to-air channel Prime was discontinued due to the expiration of a broadcasting license.
January 2010: Fox News Channel Reaches Top Spot Again
In January 2010, during the week of the special Senate election in Massachusetts, Fox News Channel reached the top spot again.
2010: Study comparing Fox News and NBC coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
A 2010 study comparing Fox News Channel's Special Report With Brit Hume and NBC's Nightly News coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during 2005 concluded "Fox News was much more sympathetic to the administration than NBC".
2010: Positive Perceptions of Fox News
In 2010, 49% of polled voters trusted Fox News, a higher percentage than in 2013.
2010: Sean Hannity describes "Climategate" as a myth
In 2010, Sean Hannity described the "Climategate" scandal as exposing global warming as a myth cooked up by alarmists.
2010: Glenn Beck Depicts George Soros as a Cartoonish Villain
In a 2010 three-part series, Glenn Beck depicted George Soros as a cartoonish villain trying to "form a shadow government, using humanitarian aid as a cover", and that Soros wanted a one-world government. Beck promoted the false and anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Soros was a Nazi collaborator as a 14-year-old in Nazi-occupied Hungary.
2011: Studies on Fox News and Climate Change Denial
According to James Lawrence Powell's 2011 study of the climate science denial movement, Fox News provides "the deniers with a platform to say whatever they like without fear of contradiction." Additionally, Fox News employs Steve Milloy, a prominent climate change denier with close financial and organizational ties to oil companies, as a contributor.
2011: Fox & Friends Describes Climate Change as "Unproven Science"
In 2011, the hosts of Fox & Friends characterized climate change as "unproven science" and a "disputed fact," while also criticizing the Department of Education for collaborating with Nickelodeon to educate children about climate change.
October 22, 2012: Fox Sets Record for Highest-Rated Telecast
On the night of 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.
2012: Asymmetric Politics mentions Hillary Clinton's role in the fatal 2012 attacks on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya
According to the 2016 book Asymmetric Politics by political scientists Matt Grossmann and David A. Hopkins, "Fox News tends to raise the profile of scandals and controversies involving Democrats that receive scant attention in other media, such as Hillary Clinton's role in the fatal 2012 attacks on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya".
2012: Fox News' coverage of the 2012 United States presidential election results
In 2012, David Carr, media critic for The New York Times, praised the 2012 United States presidential election results coverage on Fox News for the network's response to Republican adviser and Fox News contributor Karl Rove challenging its call that Barack Obama would win Ohio and the election.
October 2, 2013: Anna Kooiman cites fake story about Obama on air
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: Public Policy Polling Poll on Fox News Perceptions
A 2013 Public Policy Polling poll concluded that positive perceptions of Fox News Channel had declined from 2010, with 41% of polled voters saying they trust it, down from 49% in 2010, while 46% said they distrust it, up from 37% in 2010.
2014: Study finds Fox News made representatives less supportive of President Clinton
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: News Corporation stake divestment
In 2014, Fox News' former parent company, News Corporation, divested its stake in both SKY and Prime in New Zealand.
2015: Study confirms Fox News increases Republican vote shares
A 2015 study confirmed the results of a 2007 study that found Fox News increased Republican vote shares.
2015: Fox News prime-time lineup changed
From 2015, the Fox News prime-time lineup changed from being skeptical of Trump to a "Trump safe space, with a dose of Bannonist populism once considered on the fringe".
2016: Asymmetric Politics published
According to the 2016 book Asymmetric Politics by political scientists Matt Grossmann and David A. Hopkins, "Fox News tends to raise the profile of scandals and controversies involving Democrats that receive scant attention in other media".
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election
During the 2016 presidential election, special counsel Robert Mueller launched an investigation into Russian interference, intensifying in October 2017. Fox News coverage turned to "what they see as the scandal and wrongdoing of President Trump's political opponents."
2016: Fox News covers Hillary Clinton stories
In 2016, Fox News dedicated more coverage to Hillary Clinton-related stories, which critics argued was intended to deflect attention from the investigation into Russian interference in the United States elections.
2016: Fox News Developed a System to Call Elections
In 2016, Fox News developed a cutting-edge system to call elections.
2016: Fox News kills Stormy Daniels story
In 2016, Fox News killed a story about the Stormy Daniels–Donald Trump scandal before the election.
2016: Rupert Murdoch Becomes Executive Chairman
In 2016, Rupert Murdoch became the executive chairman of Fox News.
2016: Campaign Coverage
In 2016, figures involved in the Trump campaign became the focus of a special counsel investigation. This resulted in most media outlets focusing on the indictments, except for Fox News, whose hosts and guests called for Mueller to be fired.
2016: Andrew Napolitano claims GCHQ wiretapped Trump
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.
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 Bill O'Reilly's contract, despite being aware of the lawsuit.
March 14, 2017: Andrew Napolitano claims GCHQ wiretapped Trump
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 Sean Spicer repeats claim about wiretapping
On March 16, 2017, White House spokesman Sean Spicer repeated the claim that British intelligence agency GCHQ had wiretapped Trump.
March 17, 2017: Fox News admits no evidence of Trump surveillance
On March 17, 2017, Shepard Smith, a Fox News anchor, admitted the network had no evidence that Trump was under surveillance and Napolitano was later suspended by Fox News for making the claim.
April 2017: Susan Rice Unmasking of Trump Associates Revealed
In April 2017, it was revealed that Susan Rice, former Obama administration national security advisor, sought the unmasking of Trump associates, including Michael Flynn, in intelligence reports during the presidential transition.
May 2017: Sean Hannity calls Roger Ailes "a second father"
In May 2017, Sean Hannity called Roger Ailes "a second father" and said to Ailes's "enemies" that he was "preparing to kick your a** in the next life".
May 2017: Harvard study examines coverage of Trump's first 100 days
In May 2017, a Harvard University study examined coverage of Trump's first 100 days in office and found Fox News gave Trump the least negative coverage of major media outlets.
May 16, 2017: Fox News Reports Uncorroborated Claims About Seth Rich
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, amid other news organizations covering Donald Trump's revelation of classified information to Russia.
July 2017: Fox & Friends Falsely Accuses The New York Times of Intelligence Disclosure
In July 2017, Fox & Friends falsely reported that The New York Times disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture. President Trump tweeted about the report, and Fox News later updated the story without apologizing.
August 29, 2017: Sky Drops Fox News Channel
On August 29, 2017, Sky in the United Kingdom dropped Fox News Channel, citing its lack of commercial viability due to low viewership.
September 2017: Sean Hannity hosts Bill O'Reilly on his show
In September 2017, several months after Bill O'Reilly was fired from Fox News in the wake of women alleging he sexually harassed them, Hannity hosted O'Reilly on his show. Some Fox News employees criticized the decision.
October 2017: Fox News's extensive coverage of Harvey Weinstein scandal
In October 2017, Fox News dedicated at least 12 hours of coverage to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, yet only dedicated 20 minutes to Bill O'Reilly, who had been accused of sexual harassment by a multitude of women.
October 2017: Fox News Focuses on Clinton Scandals Amid Mueller Investigation
In October 2017, as the Mueller investigation intensified, Fox News shifted its focus to alleged scandals of President Trump's political opponents, particularly Bill and Hillary Clinton. This was described as a "careful, coordinated, and comprehensive strategy" to distract from the investigation.
October 30, 2017: Fox News Coverage Diverges from Other Media on Mueller Indictments
On October 30, 2017, while most media focused on Robert Mueller's indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, Fox News hosts called for Mueller to be fired and focused on allegations against Hillary Clinton. CNN described the coverage as "a tour de force in deflection and dismissal".
November 1, 2017: Vox Analysis of Cable News Coverage of Russia Investigation
On November 1, 2017, Vox analyzed transcripts and found that Fox News frequently mentioned Hillary Clinton in discussions about the Mueller investigation, talked less about George Papadopoulos, and questioned Mueller's credibility.
November 2017: Trump granted Fox News access
By November 2017, Donald Trump had given Fox News 19 interviews, compared to only 6 to other news channels, providing significant access to the network during his presidency.
November 2017: Fox News Distorts Jake Tapper Statement After NYC Attack
In November 2017, following the New York City truck attack, Fox News distorted a statement by Jake Tapper to make it appear as if he had said "Allahu Akbar" can be used under the most "beautiful circumstances", omitting crucial context. Tapper responded by calling out Fox News for lying.
December 2017: Fox News Attacks on Mueller Investigation Escalate
In December 2017, Fox News escalated its attacks on the Mueller investigation, with hosts and guests suggesting it was a coup. Jeanine Pirro called the investigation team a "criminal cabal". Experts described the rhetoric as dangerous to democracy.
December 2017: Fox News runs inaccurate headline regarding Roy Moore accuser
In December 2017, a few days before the Alabama Senate election, Fox News 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: Study finds Fox News increases Republican vote shares
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 News blacked out during general election
In 2017, Fox News was blacked out during the general election in the UK to comply with election silence rules after violating them in 2016.
2017: Cohen provides legal services for Hannity
In 2017, Michael Cohen did "traditional legal tasks" for Trump, Elliott Broidy, and Hannity.
April 9, 2018: Federal agents serve search warrant on Michael Cohen
On April 9, 2018, federal agents from the U.S. Attorney's office served a search warrant on Michael Cohen's office and residence.
April 2018: Sean Hannity defends Michael Cohen without disclosure
In April 2018, it was revealed primetime host Sean Hannity had defended Trump's then personal attorney Michael Cohen on air without disclosing Cohen was his lawyer.
April 16, 2018: Cohen's lawyers reveal Sean Hannity as client
On April 16, 2018, in a court hearing, Cohen's lawyers told the judge that Cohen had a "prominent person" who did not wish to be named for fear of being "embarrassed". The federal judge ordered the revelation of the third client, whom Cohen's lawyers named as Hannity.
June 2018: Fox News instructs producers to head off inappropriate remarks
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 after incendiary comments were made about the Trump administration's policy of separating migrant children from their parents.
July 2018: The Economist describes Fox News coverage of Trump
In July 2018, The Economist described Fox News' coverage of Donald Trump's presidency as "reliably fawning".
August 2018: Fox News Coverage of Murder by Undocumented Immigrant Criticized
In August 2018, Fox News was criticized for prioritizing coverage of a murder committed by an undocumented immigrant over the convictions of Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen, while other media outlets focused on the convictions.
September 2018: Fox News Channel Reach
By September 2018, Fox News was available in 87 million U.S. households, representing 91 percent of television subscribers, showcasing the channel's widespread distribution.
October 2018: Fox News runs laudatory coverage of Kanye West meeting with Trump
In October 2018, Fox News ran laudatory coverage of a meeting between Trump-supporting rapper Kanye West and President Trump in the Oval Office, which was a shift from the negative coverage of rappers and their involvement with Democratic politicians.
November 4, 2018: Trump's website announces Sean Hannity's appearance at a rally
On November 4, 2018, Trump's website announced that Fox News host Sean Hannity would make a "special guest appearance" with Trump at a midterm campaign rally the following night.
2018: Fox Nation Announced
In 2018, Fox News Channel announced that it would launch a subscription video on demand service known as Fox Nation, serving as a companion service to FNC with original and acquired programming.
2018: Election System Successful During 2018 Midterms
In 2018, the Fox News election-calling system proved very successful during the midterm elections.
2018: Thursday Night Football Pregame Show Originates From Studio F
Starting in 2018, Thursday Night Football's pregame show, Fox NFL Thursday, originated from Studio F at Fox News headquarters.
March 2019: Jane Mayer reports on Fox News killing Stormy Daniels 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: "Good reporting, kiddo. But Rupert [Murdoch] wants Donald Trump to win. So just let it go." The story was killed.
June 16, 2019: Fox News releases poll with unfavorable results for Trump
On June 16, 2019, Fox News released a poll that found some unfavorable results for Trump, including a record high 50% thought the Trump campaign had coordinated with the Russian government.
October 2019: Shepard Smith Leaves Fox News
In October 2019, Shepard Smith left Fox News after facing criticism for acknowledging climate change, stating it was real, human-caused, and backed by scientific consensus.
2019: Pew Research Center findings on Republican trust in Fox News
According to a 2019 Pew Research Center study, 65 percent of Republicans and those who lean Republican trusted Fox News, highlighting the network's strong appeal to conservative audiences.
2019: Trump Criticizes Fox Personalities and Hiring of Donna Brazile
In 2019, Donald Trump criticized Fox News anchors Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace, along with analyst Andrew Napolitano, for being adversarial. He was also critical of the network hiring former DNC chair Donna Brazile.
2019: Fox News Top-Rated Cable Network
In 2019, Fox News was the top-rated cable network, averaging 2.5 million viewers in prime time, highlighting its popularity and dominance in the cable news landscape.
May 2020: Grenell Declassifies List of Obama Officials
In May 2020, Richard Grenell, acting Director of National Intelligence, declassified a list of Obama administration officials who requested unmasking of Trump associates. Primetime hosts at Fox News declared the unmaskings a "domestic spying operation", however the inquiry closed months later with no findings of substantive wrongdoing.
November 2020: Suzanne Scott Criticizes Fact-Checking
In November 2020, Fox CEO Suzanne Scott criticized fact-checking, stating that she cannot "keep defending these reporters who don't understand our viewers and how to handle stories ... The audience feels like we crapped on" them, and Fox was losing their audience's "trust and belief" in them.
November 2020: Hannity Hosted Sidney Powell and said "I did not believe it for one second."
In November 2020, Sean Hannity hosted Sidney Powell, who asserted Dominion machines had been rigged, but said in his deposition, "I did not believe it for one second."
November 2020: Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham criticize Sidney Powell
In November 2020, internal communications showed Tucker Carlson accusing Sidney Powell of lying about election fraud, and Laura Ingraham calling her "a complete nut." Carlson also called for Fox journalist Jacqui Heinrich to be fired for fact-checking Trump's claims about voter fraud in November 2020.
December 2020: Scott demands halt to fact-checking of Trump's claims
In December 2020, Fox CEO Suzanne Scott responded 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 ... This is bad business ... The audience is furious."
2020: Violent crime decline since 2020
In 2020, FBI crime rate statistics showed violent crime had declined significantly since 2020.
2020: False statements made by Dominion about the 2020 election.
In 2020, False statements were made by Dominion about the election; this became a key point of contention that led to legal proceedings.
2020: Fox News Settles With Seth Rich's Family
In 2020, Fox News settled with the family of Seth Rich over the emotional distress caused by false reporting, with a payment reported to be in the seven figures. The public announcement was delayed until after the 2020 presidential election.
2020: Studio F used for Fox Democracy
In 2020, Studio F was used for Fox Democracy.
2020: Fox News Broadcasts Claims of a Stolen Election
In 2020, after the presidential election, Fox News continued to broadcast claims of a stolen election, despite internal communications showing that its presenters and senior executives privately doubted these claims.
2020: Trump's Relationship with Fox News Sours After 2020 Election
In 2020, the relationship between Donald Trump and Fox News deteriorated after the United States presidential election, leading to increased viewership of Newsmax and One America News. Fox released promotional videos promoting a Trump-affiliated conspiracy theory about voter fraud.
January 1, 2021: Fox News Channel dropped by Cignal
On January 1, 2021, Fox News Channel was removed from Cignal Channel 131 in the Philippines due to the expiration of a contract.
January 2021: Murdoch Discusses Georgia Election with Scott
As a January 2021 Georgia runoff election approached that would determine party control of the U.S. Senate, Rupert Murdoch told Suzanne Scott, "Trump will concede eventually and we should concentrate on Georgia, helping any way we can."
February 2021: Smartmatic Files Defamation Suit Against Fox News
In February 2021, Smartmatic filed a $2.7 billion defamation suit against Fox News, its hosts, and Trump's attorneys for promoting election rigging conspiracy theories.
February 2021: Poynter Institute Argues Fox News Content Not Truth-Based
In February 2021, Tom Jones of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies argued that Fox News content, 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 filed a $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News for spreading conspiracy theories about the company.
April 2021: Fox Seeks Dismissal of Smartmatic Suit
In April 2021, Fox News sought dismissal of the Smartmatic defamation suit, arguing it was simply reporting allegations made by the President and his lawyers.
April 2021: Fox News amplifies false story about Biden's climate agenda
In April 2021, at least five Fox News and Fox Business personalities amplified a false story from the Daily Mail, incorrectly linking a university study to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda. This falsely asserted that Americans would be compelled to reduce meat consumption. Days later, Fox News acknowledged on air that the story was false.
May 12, 2021: Fox News reports Biden resuming border wall construction, later clarifies
On May 12, 2021, Fox News initially reported that Biden was resuming border wall construction, but later clarified that it was actually levee wall construction. Despite the clarification, Sean Hannity later broadcast the original, uncorrected story.
August 2021: Fox News Coordinated with DeSantis Aides
In August 2021, it was reported that Fox News producers coordinated with aides of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to promote his political prospects, exchanging talking points and helping stage an exclusive news event.
September 2021: Fox News Questions COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy Despite High Employee Vaccination Rate
In September 2021, Fox News consistently questioned the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, celebrated skepticism, and blasted attempts to promote vaccinations, even though over 90% of Fox Corporation's full-time employees were fully vaccinated.
December 2021: Majed Khalil Sues Fox, Dobbs and Powell
In December 2021, Venezuelan businessman Majed Khalil sued Fox, Dobbs and Powell for $250 million, alleging they had falsely implicated him in rigging Dominion and Smartmatic machines.
2021: NewsGuard Report on FoxNews.com Content
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 states presence on Fox was "untenable"
In 2021, Shepard Smith stated his presence on Fox News became "untenable" due to the "falsehoods" and "lies" intentionally spread on the network's opinion shows.
2021: Fox News Shifts Programming to More Opinion-Based Content
In 2021, media analyst Brian Stelter observed that Fox News had adjusted its programming to present "less news on the air and more opinions-about-the-news" due to concerns about losing viewers to more conservative competitors.
2021: Fox News settles with New York City for $1 million
In mid-2021, Fox News agreed to pay a $1 million settlement to New York City after its Commission on Human Rights cited "a pattern of violating the NYC Human Rights Law".
March 2022: Smartmatic Suit Can Proceed
In March 2022, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that Smartmatic's defamation suit against Fox News could proceed, dismissing some allegations but allowing others to stand.
June 2022: Judge Allows Dominion to Sue Fox Corporation
In June 2022, a Delaware Superior Court judge declined to dismiss the Dominion suit against Fox News and allowed Dominion to sue Fox Corporation, citing potential "actual malice" by Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch.
June 16, 2022: Return of Fox News Channel on Cignal
On June 16, 2022, Fox News Channel returned to Cignal in the Philippines.
December 2022: Dominion Acquires Communications Showing Fox Knew Election Claims Were Untrue
In December 2022, it was reported that Dominion had acquired communications between Fox News executives and hosts showing they knew that what the network was reporting about the election was untrue.
2022: FBI releases crime data for 2022
In 2022, Fox News reported on the release of crime data by the FBI, later showing that violent crime had declined 3% from 2022 to 2023.
February 2023: Release of Fox's internal communications
In February 2023, Fox's internal communications were released, revealing that presenters and senior executives privately doubted Donald Trump's claims of a stolen election. Rupert Murdoch described Trump's voter fraud claims as "really crazy stuff".
February 2023: Dominion Court Filing Shows Fox Hosts Mocking Trump Advisers
In February 2023, a Dominion court filing revealed Fox News hosts messaging each other to insult and mock Trump advisers, indicating they knew the election fraud allegations were false.
February 2023: Court rejects Fox News bid to dismiss Smartmatic suit
In February 2023, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division unanimously rejected a Fox News bid to dismiss the Smartmatic suit. The court reinstated defamation allegations against Giuliani and Pirro.
March 2023: Complaints regarding Tucker Carlson Tonight episode
In March 2023, LGBT advocacy group Egale Canada filed complaints regarding a March 2023 episode of Tucker Carlson Tonight that contained content described as "malicious misinformation" regarding trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit communities.
March 2023: Release of more Fox internal communications
In March 2023, more of Fox's internal communications were released, revealing Fox CEO Suzanne Scott criticizing fact-checking in November 2020 and December 2020 and stating that she cannot "keep defending these reporters who don't understand our viewers".
March 31, 2023: Judge rules statements about Dominion are false
On March 31, 2023, Delaware Superior Court judge Eric Davis ruled in a summary judgment that it "is CRYSTAL clear that none of the statements relating to Dominion about the 2020 election are true" and ordered for the case to go to trial.
April 2023: Dobbs and Fox News Reach a Confidential Settlement with Khalil
In April 2023, Dobbs and Fox News reached a confidential settlement with Khalil.
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, concluding the lawsuit. Fox agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million and acknowledged the Court's rulings that certain claims about Dominion were false.
May 22, 2023: Fox News downplays climate change in discussion about Italian climate protesters
During the May 22, 2023, episode of Fox News Tonight, the correspondent Trace Gallagher downplayed the role of climate change for the recent meteorological situation pointing at Italian history while discussing Roman climate protesters drawing attention on drought and floods in Italy.
2023: Fox News generates 70% of Fox Corporation's Pre-Tax Profit
In 2023, Fox News generated approximately 70% of its parent company, Fox Corporation's, pre-tax profit, making it a significant contributor to the company's financial success.
2023: Fox Settles Defamation Lawsuit with Dominion
In 2023, Fox settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems by agreeing to pay $787.5 million and acknowledging the court ruling that Fox had broadcast false statements about Dominion regarding the 2020 election.
2023: Rupert Murdoch Steps Down
In 2023, Rupert Murdoch announced he would step down from his role at Fox Corporation and hand responsibilities to his son, Lachlan Murdoch.
2023: Rupert Murdoch Testifies Fox News Commentators Endorsed False Election Claims
In 2023, Rupert Murdoch testified that some Fox News commentators were endorsing election fraud claims they knew were false.
2023: Murdoch Ditches Plan to Remerge News Corporation with Fox
In 2023, The Economist reported that Rupert Murdoch had "ditched a plan" to remerge News Corporation with Fox because it "faced resistance from News Corp investors unhappy at the prospect of being lumped together with Fox News, which they consider a toxic brand."
2023: FBI releases crime data for 2023
In 2023, weeks before the 2024 presidential election, the FBI released crime data for 2023 showing that violent crime had declined 3% from 2022.
2023: Murdoch Steps Down and Lachlan Takes Over
Later in 2023, Rupert Murdoch said he would step down and that his son Lachlan would take over both Fox Corporation and News Corp.
February 2024: Johns Hopkins Professor on Fox News
In February 2024, Alan Rosenblatt of Johns Hopkins University stated that Fox News "is an entertainment company that has a news division, not a news company."
September 2024: Fox News promotes false "crime crisis" narrative
In September 2024, Media Matters reported that Fox News promoted a false "crime crisis" narrative during the Biden presidency, particularly directed toward undocumented migrants, which reflected Donald Trump's political rhetoric.
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 American Democratic party in hopes of influencing voters ahead of the U.S. presidential primary season.
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