History of Fox News in Timeline
Fox News Channel (FNC) is a conservative American news and political commentary television channel and website based in New York City. Owned by Fox News Media, which is part of Fox Corporation, it is the most-watched cable news network in the United States, contributing significantly to its parent company's profits. Fox News broadcasts from Midtown Manhattan and extends its service to 86 countries and territories, incorporating international content during breaks.
1 day ago : Marjorie Taylor Greene Criticizes Trump's Iran Strike, Accusing Him of Bait and Switch
Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed strong disapproval of Trump's Iran strike, alleging a 'bait and switch.' She defended her opposition as not disloyal to Trump, warning of potential consequences.
2001: Fox News Launches on Stream TV in Italy
2001: Sean Hannity Claims Climate Change Consensus is "Phony Science"
In 2001, Sean Hannity described the scientific consensus on climate change as "phony science from the left".
January 8, 2003: Sky Brasil Adds Interactive Functions
On January 8, 2003, Sky Brasil added interactive functions for the channel exclusively from the provider.
2003: FNC Broadcasts on TV8
Between 2003 and 2006, in Sweden and the other Scandinavian countries, FNC was broadcast 16 hours a day on TV8.
2003: Fox News Moves to Sky Italia
In 2003, Fox News moved to Sky Italia.
2003: Service to Japan Ceases
In summer 2003, Fox News's service to Japan ceased.
March 2004: Fox Shelves Joint Venture in Canada
In March 2004, a Fox executive said that the planned joint venture with Canwest's Global Television Network had been shelved.
2004: Fox News Highlights Swift Boat Veterans' Attacks on John Kerry
In 2004, Fox News covered the attacks on John Kerry by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The 2016 book Asymmetric Politics cites this as an example of Fox News raising the profile of scandals and controversies involving Democrats.
2004: Sean Hannity Alleges Scientists 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".
September 2006: Fox News Dropped by TV8
In September 2006, Fox News was dropped by TV8 and replaced by German news channel Deutsche Welle.
2007: Private Investigator Makes Outlandish Claims on Fox News
In 2007, a private investigator made outlandish claims on Fox News, warning about underground networks of lesbian gangs.
September 2009: Obama Administration Engages in Conflict with Fox News Channel
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.
November 8, 2009: White House Warns Against Fox News Appearances
On November 8, 2009, the Los Angeles Times reported that an unnamed Democratic consultant claimed to have been warned by the White House not to appear on Fox News. A Fox News contributor claimed to have spoken with other Democratic consultants who had received similar warnings.
2009: Bill Sammon Instructs Journalists to Dispute Climate Change Consensus
In 2009, leaked emails revealed that 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, while working as a White House correspondent for ABC News, Jake Tapper defended Fox News after the Obama administration questioned the network's legitimacy as a news organization.
January 2010: Fox News Broadcast Discontinued on Prime
In January 2010, Fox News' overnight broadcast on free-to-air UHF New Zealand TV channel Prime was discontinued.
2010: Glenn Beck Promotes Conspiracy Theories About George Soros
In 2010, Glenn Beck promoted conspiracy theories about George Soros, using anti-Semitic tropes and depicting Soros as a villain trying to form a shadow government.
2010: Sean Hannity Calls Climategate a "Scandal"
In 2010, Sean Hannity referred to "Climategate" as a "scandal" that "exposed global warming as a myth cooked up by alarmists."
2011: Fox News Provides Platform for Climate Change Deniers
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." Fox News also employs Steve Milloy, a climate change denier with ties to oil companies.
2011: Fox & Friends Criticizes Climate Change Education
In 2011, the hosts of Fox & Friends described climate change as "unproven science" and criticized the Department of Education for working with Nickelodeon to teach children about climate change.
2012: Fox News Focuses on Hillary Clinton's Role in Benghazi Attack
In 2012, Hillary Clinton's role in the Benghazi, Libya attack became a focal point of Fox News' coverage, as highlighted in the 2016 book Asymmetric Politics.
October 2, 2013: Fox News Host Cites Fake Story
On October 2, 2013, Fox News host Anna Kooiman cited on air a fake story from the National Report parody site, claiming Obama had offered to keep the International Museum of Muslim Cultures open with cash from his own pocket.
2014: News Corporation Divests Stake
In 2014, Fox News' former parent company News Corporation divested its stake in SKY and Prime.
2016: Involvement of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates in the Trump Campaign
In 2016, Paul Manafort and Rick Gates were involved in the Trump campaign.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Presidential Election Intensified
In 2016, Russian interference in the presidential election intensified.
2016: Asymmetric Politics Book Details Fox News' Coverage of Democratic Controversies
In 2016, the book Asymmetric Politics highlighted Fox News' tendency to focus on scandals and controversies involving Democrats, such as the connection between Barack Obama and William Ayers, Hillary Clinton's role in the 2012 Benghazi attack, the 'Fast and Furious' scandal, Solyndra's business practices and other controversies.
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. 21st Century Fox said it was aware of the lawsuit.
March 14, 2017: Andrew Napolitano Claims GCHQ Wiretapped Trump
On March 14, 2017, Fox News commentator Andrew Napolitano claimed on Fox & Friends that the British intelligence agency GCHQ had wiretapped Trump on behalf of Barack Obama during the 2016 United States presidential election.
March 16, 2017: White House Spox Sean Spicer repeats wiretapping claim
On March 16, 2017, White House spokesman Sean Spicer repeated the claim from Andrew Napolitano that the 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 Trump Surveillance
On March 17, 2017, Fox News anchor Shepard Smith admitted the network had no evidence that Trump was under surveillance following claims made by Fox News commentator Andrew Napolitano. Napolitano was later suspended by Fox News for making the claim.
April 2017: Susan Rice's Unmasking Request of Trump Associates Revealed
In April 2017, the unmasking request of Trump associates in intelligence reports, notably Michael Flynn, by Susan Rice became known.
May 2017: Hannity Calls Ailes "a second father"
In May 2017, Sean Hannity called Roger Ailes "a second father" and threatened Ailes's "enemies."
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, reigniting right-wing conspiracy theories.
July 2017: Fox & Friends Airs False Report About NYT
In July 2017, Fox & Friends falsely claimed that The New York Times disclosed intelligence that helped Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi evade capture. President Donald Trump then tweeted about the report, criticizing The New York Times. Fox News later updated the story but did not issue an apology.
August 29, 2017: Sky Drops Fox News in the UK
On August 29, 2017, Sky dropped Fox News in the United Kingdom, citing a lack of commercial viability.
September 2017: Hannity Hosts O'Reilly on His Show
In September 2017, Sean Hannity hosted Bill O'Reilly on his show, months after O'Reilly was fired from Fox News due to sexual harassment allegations.
October 2017: Fox News's Coverage of Harvey Weinstein Scandal Seen as Hypocritical
In October 2017, Fox News's extensive coverage of the Harvey Weinstein scandal was seen by some as hypocritical, given the network's handling of sexual harassment allegations against Bill O'Reilly.
October 2017: Fox News Shifts Focus to Clinton Scandals Amid Mueller Investigation
In October 2017, as the Mueller investigation intensified, Fox News shifted its coverage to perceived scandals involving the Clintons, in what was described as a "careful, coordinated, and comprehensive strategy" to distract from the investigation.
October 30, 2017: Fox News Deflects from Mueller Indictments, Focuses on Clinton Allegations
On October 30, 2017, instead of focusing on the Mueller indictments of Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, Fox News hosts called for Mueller to be fired and focused on unsubstantiated allegations against Hillary Clinton. Sean Hannity mistakenly referred to her as President Clinton. CNN described Fox News' coverage as "a tour de force in deflection and dismissal".
November 1, 2017: Analysis Reveals Fox News' Focus on "Uranium" and "Dossier" in Russia Coverage
On November 1, 2017, Vox analyzed transcripts and found Fox News frequently linked Russia to "uranium" and "dossier," talked less about George Papadopoulos, and questioned Mueller's credibility during its coverage of the Russia investigation.
November 2017: Trump Gives Significant Access to Fox News
By November 2017, Donald Trump had given 19 interviews to Fox News during his presidency, compared to only 6 to other news channels. The New York Times described Trump's Fox News interviews as "softball interviews" and the interview styles of some interviewers as "fawning."
November 2017: Fox News Distorts Jake Tapper's Statement
In November 2017, Fox News distorted a statement by Jake Tapper regarding the phrase "Allahu Akbar" after the New York City truck attack, falsely implying Tapper found the phrase beautiful in that context. The Fox News Twitter account further amplified the distortion, leading to criticism from Tapper, who accused Fox News of deliberately lying.
November 2017: Shepard Smith debunks Uranium One scandal
In November 2017, Fox News host Shepard Smith debunked the alleged Uranium One scandal, which involved the sale of Uranium One to Russian interests. Smith's action infuriated viewers, while Sean Hannity called Smith "clueless". Smith responded that some opinion programming is strictly for entertainment and stated, "I don't work there. I wouldn't work there."
December 2017: Fox News Attacks Mueller Investigation, Suggests a Coup
In December 2017, Fox News escalated its attacks on the Mueller investigation, with hosts and guests suggesting it was a coup. Some made unsubstantiated claims of an assassination plot against Trump. Experts described the rhetoric as dangerous to democracy and similar to pre-purge rhetoric.
December 2017: Fox News Runs Inaccurate Headline Regarding Roy Moore Accuser
In December 2017, Fox News, along with Breitbart News and The Gateway Pundit, ran an inaccurate headline which claimed one of Roy Moore's accusers admitted to forging an inscription by Roy Moore in her yearbook.
2017: Fox News Removed From Orange Lineup
As of Spring 2017, Fox News was no longer found on the provider Orange's lineup in France.
2017: Election Silence Rule Compliance
In 2017, Fox News was blacked out while polls were open during the 2017 general election to comply with election silence rules.
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. Sean Hannity defended Cohen on air and criticized the federal action.
April 2018: Sean Hannity Defends Michael Cohen
In April 2018, it was revealed that Sean Hannity had defended Trump's 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 revealed that Sean Hannity was one of Cohen's clients.
June 2018: Fox News Issues Instructions to Avoid 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. The instructions came after a number of Fox News hosts and guests made incendiary comments about the Trump administration's policy of separating migrant children from their parents, including Laura Ingraham likening the detention centers to "summer camps".
July 2018: The Economist Describes Fox News' Coverage of Trump as 'Reliably Fawning'
In July 2018, The Economist described Fox News' coverage of Trump's presidency as "reliably fawning,"
August 2018: Fox News Prioritizes Coverage of Murder by Undocumented Immigrant Over Manafort, 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. Other mainstream media provided extensive coverage of the convictions, while Fox News downplayed them.
October 2018: Fox News Praises Kanye West's Meeting with Trump After Previous Criticism
In October 2018, Fox News positively covered the meeting between Kanye West, a Trump supporter, and President Trump. This was in contrast to the network's previous negative coverage of rappers like Common and Kanye West before he supported Trump.
November 4, 2018: Sean Hannity's Appearance at Trump Rally Draws Criticism
On November 4, 2018, it was announced that Fox News host Sean Hannity would make a "special guest appearance" with Trump at a midterm rally. Despite initially tweeting he wouldn't be campaigning on stage, Hannity appeared at the rally, mocking the "fake news." This led to outrage from Fox News employees, and the network stated it "does not condone any talent participating in campaign events". Fox News host Jeanine Pirro also appeared on stage with Trump at the rally.
June 16, 2019: Fox News Poll Misrepresented on Air, Prompting Trump's Criticism
On June 16, 2019, Fox News released a poll showing unfavorable results for Trump. The next day, on Fox & Friends First, host Heather Childers misrepresented the poll results. Later, on America's Newsroom, the on-screen display highlighted the 48% opposed to impeachment rather than the 50% who supported it. Trump criticized the poll results on Twitter.
October 2019: Shepard Smith Leaves Fox News
In October 2019, Shepard Smith, known for acknowledging the reality of climate change, left Fox News.
2019: Trump Criticizes Fox News Hires and Anchors
In 2019, Trump criticized Fox News for allegedly adversarial news anchors like Shepard Smith and Chris Wallace, as well as analyst Andrew Napolitano, and for hiring former DNC chair Donna Brazile.
2019: Fox News Falsely Claims Earth Might Be Heading to a New Ice Age
In 2019, a Fox News report falsely claimed that new climate science research showed that the Earth might be heading to a new Ice Age; the author of the study that Fox News cited said that Fox News "utterly misrepresents our research". Fox News later corrected the story.
May 2020: Fox News Accuses Obama Administration of "Domestic Spying Operation" Over Unmasking
In May 2020, after the release of a list of Obama administration officials who requested unmasking of Trump associates, Fox News primetime hosts declared the unmaskings a "domestic spying operation" and "biggest abuse of power." However, the inquiry into the unmaskings found no substantive wrongdoing.
November 2020: Fox CEO Suzanne Scott Criticizes Fact-Checking
In November 2020 communication, 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."
November 2020: Hannity Hosts Sidney Powell, Expresses Doubt in Deposition
In November 2020, Sean Hannity hosted Sidney Powell, who asserted Dominion machines had been rigged. However, Hannity said in his deposition, "I did not believe it for one second."
November 2020: Carlson Accuses Powell of Lying and Calls for Heinrich to be Fired
In November 2020, Tucker Carlson accused Sidney Powell of "lying" and called for Fox journalist Jacqui Heinrich to be "fired" for fact-checking Trump.
December 2020: Smartmatic Demands Retractions from Fox News
In December 2020, Smartmatic sent a letter to Fox News demanding retractions for baseless allegations made by Jeanine Pirro, Lou Dobbs, and Maria Bartiromo about the company's role in the 2020 presidential election.
December 2020: Scott Demands Fact-Checking Stop
In a December 2020 communication, Suzanne Scott responded to Eric Shawn's fact-checking of Donald Trump's false 2020 election claims by demanding that the fact-checking "has to stop now."
2020: Trump-Fox News Relationship Soured After 2020 Election
Following the 2020 United States presidential election, the relationship between Trump and Fox News deteriorated as Trump refused to concede to Joe Biden. This led to increased viewership of Newsmax and One America News, and Fox News released promotional videos disputing the election results.
2020: Fox News Settles Seth Rich Lawsuit
In 2020, Fox News settled with the Rich family over its false reporting on the Seth Rich murder, making a payment reported to be in the seven figures. The announcement was delayed until after the 2020 presidential election.
January 1, 2021: Fox News Channel Removed from Cignal
On January 1, 2021, Fox News Channel was removed from Cignal Channel 131 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 Suzanne Scott, "Trump will concede eventually and we should concentrate on Georgia, helping any way we can."
January 2021: Bill Sammon Fired After Georgia Runoff
Bill Sammon was fired by Fox News after the January 2021 Georgia runoff election. He had stood by the network's 2020 election call.
February 2021: Smartmatic Files Defamation Suit Against Fox News
In February 2021, Smartmatic filed a $2.7 billion defamation suit against Fox News, Jeanine Pirro, Lou Dobbs, Maria Bartiromo, Sidney Powell, and Rudy Giuliani.
February 2021: Poynter Institute Argues Fox News Content Not Based in Truth
In February 2021, 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 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 News Argues It Was Just Reporting Allegations
In April 2021, Fox News argued that it was simply "reporting allegations made by a sitting President and his lawyers" in a court brief seeking dismissal of the Smartmatic suit.
April 2021: Fox News Personalities Amplify False Story About Biden's Climate Agenda
In April 2021, at least five Fox News and Fox Business personalities amplified a false story published by the Daily Mail, incorrectly linking a university study to President Joe Biden's climate change agenda. The story falsely asserted that Americans would be compelled to dramatically reduce their meat consumption. John Roberts later acknowledged on air that the story was false.
May 12, 2021: Fox News Reports and Corrects Story About Biden Resuming Border Wall Construction
On May 12, 2021, Fox News reported on its website that "Biden resumes border wall construction after promising to halt it." The story was later updated and corrected to clarify that a levee wall was being constructed. Sean Hannity later broadcast the original story without mentioning the levee.
August 2021: Fox News Coordinated with DeSantis Aides to Promote Him
In August 2021, the Tampa Bay Times reported that Fox News producers coordinated with aides of Florida governor Ron DeSantis to promote his political prospects through frequent network appearances, talking points, and staging an exclusive news event.
September 2021: Fox News Questions COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy
By September 2021, Fox News consistently questioned the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, despite over 90% of Fox Corporation's full-time employees being fully vaccinated.
2021: Fox News Settles Human Rights Violation Claim
In 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".
2021: Shepard Smith Says Fox Became "Untenable"
In 2021, Shepard Smith stated that his presence on Fox had become "untenable" due to the "falsehoods" and "lies" intentionally spread on the network's opinion shows.
March 2022: Judge Allows Smartmatic Suit to Proceed
In March 2022, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled that the Smartmatic suit against Fox News could proceed, dismissing allegations against Sidney Powell and Pirro, and some claims against Giuliani.
June 2022: Court Declines to Dismiss Dominion Suit, Allows Suit Against Fox Corporation
In June 2022, a Delaware Superior Court judge again declined to dismiss the Dominion suit against Fox News, and also allowed Dominion to sue the network's corporate parent, Fox Corporation. The judge suggested Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch may have acted with actual malice.
June 16, 2022: Fox News Channel Returns to Cignal
On June 16, 2022, Fox News Channel returned to Cignal Channel 131 in the Philippines.
December 2022: Dominion Acquires Communications Showing Fox Knew Reporting Was Untrue
In December 2022, The New York Times reported that Dominion had acquired communications between Fox News executives and hosts, and between a Fox Corporation employee and the Trump White House, showing they knew that what the network was reporting was untrue.
February 2023: Dominion Court Filing Reveals Fox Hosts' Internal Mockery of 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 Powell and Giuliani were false.
February 2023: Release of Fox's Internal Communications Reveal Doubts About Trump's 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. Chairman Rupert Murdoch described Trump's voter fraud claims as "really crazy stuff".
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 Giuliani and Pirro.
March 2023: Tucker Carlson Tonight Airs Controversial Episode
In March 2023, Tucker Carlson Tonight aired an episode containing content described as "malicious misinformation" regarding trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and two-spirit communities.
March 2023: More Fox Internal Communications Released
In March 2023, more of Fox's internal communications were released, revealing Fox CEO Suzanne Scott criticizing fact-checking and expressing concern about losing viewers' trust.
March 31, 2023: Judge Rules Statements About Dominion False, Orders Trial
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 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 finding certain claims about Dominion to be false.
February 2024: Johns Hopkins University: Fox News Prioritizes Entertainment Over 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: 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, 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 an attempt to influence voters ahead of the U.S. presidential primary season.
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