Fox News

Fox News. It is a major American multinational conservative cable news television channel and media company. Founded by media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former political operative Roger Ailes, it launched in 1996 and has since become a dominant force in the American television news landscape. The network is a subsidiary of Fox Corporation and is headquartered at 1211 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan.

History

The network was conceived by Rupert Murdoch, who sought to challenge the established news networks like CNN and the Big Three television networks. He hired former Republican political consultant Roger Ailes as its founding CEO. The channel launched on October 7, 1996, with initial programming including shows like The O'Reilly Factor hosted by Bill O'Reilly. Its rise was accelerated during the 2000 United States presidential election and the subsequent September 11 attacks, which solidified its patriotic, America-first editorial tone. Key moments in its growth include the launch of Fox Business Network in 2007 and significant leadership changes, such as the departure of Roger Ailes in 2016 amid scandal and the later appointment of Suzanne Scott as CEO.

Programming

Its programming slate is built around a core of opinion-driven prime-time shows and continuous news coverage. Flagship programs include Tucker Carlson Tonight, Hannity hosted by Sean Hannity, and The Ingraham Angle with Laura Ingraham. Daytime programming features shows like Fox & Friends and America's Newsroom. The network also produces special event coverage for elections like the 2020 United States presidential election and major political speeches such as the State of the Union address. Other notable programs have included The Five and the former Sunday morning talk show Fox News Sunday, moderated by Chris Wallace.

Business operations

It operates as the flagship property of Fox Corporation, which was spun off from 21st Century Fox following the sale of most assets to The Walt Disney Company. The network's revenue is derived primarily from cable subscription fees and advertising sales. Its operations include the Fox News Channel, the streaming service Fox Nation, and the radio network Fox News Radio. Major business decisions are overseen by Lachlan Murdoch, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Fox Corporation, and network CEO Suzanne Scott. The company's headquarters are a prominent feature of the New York City skyline.

Political stance and controversies

The network is widely described as practicing conservative editorial bias and has been a frequent subject of political and legal controversy. It has faced significant scrutiny for its coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 United States presidential election, and the January 6 United States Capitol attack. Major legal issues include a defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems, which was settled for $787.5 million in 2023. The network has also been criticized for promoting narratives aligned with the Trump administration, and its former star Tucker Carlson was frequently at the center of debates over inflammatory commentary.

Ratings and viewership

For over two decades, it has consistently led the cable news ratings in both total day and prime-time viewership among key demographics. It achieved record ratings during major political events, such as the 2016 United States presidential election and the presidency of Donald Trump. Competitors like CNN, MSNBC, and ABC News have routinely trailed in comparison. Its dominance is particularly pronounced in the demographic of viewers aged 25-54. The success of programs like Hannity and Tucker Carlson Tonight has been central to maintaining its ratings leadership, even amid periods of high controversy and personnel changes.

Category:Television channels in the United States Category:Mass media companies