This passage describes the transformation of Fox News over the years, particularly during the Trump era. It begins by highlighting the network's origins as a conservative media outlet, its rise under Rupert Murdoch's leadership, and its early commitment to being "fair and balanced." It then details how Fox News evolved to become more pro-Trump, especially during the 2016 presidential campaign and beyond. The passage discusses key personalities like Sean Hannity and their growing influence within the network. It also mentions the shift in Fox's primetime lineup to feature more Trump-friendly hosts after Trump's victory. The passage concludes with a focus on Hannity's involvement in a Trump rally, where he took the stage, which raised questions about the network's independence from the Trump administration. Overall, it illustrates the complex relationship between Fox News and the Trump presidency, marked by a growing alignment with Trump's agenda and messaging.
1. The text starts with a quote from a Fox News rally: “Promises made. Promises kept.”
2. The rally is happening the night before a historic midterm election, which could control the future of President Trump's presidency. Missouri is a key battleground.
3. The rally is taking place in Rush Limbaugh's hometown, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
4. Sean Hannity, a top person in all of cable news, is expected to be a presenter at the rally.
5. The text then delves into the history of Fox News, mentioning its founder Rupert Murdoch and its establishment by 1996.
6. It discusses how Fox News differentiated itself from other news organizations by promising to be "fair and balanced".
7. The text also mentions the scandal of Monica Lewinsky and how it helped solidify Fox News' audience.
8. The text reveals that Fox News' success was due to a combination of fair news reporting and a right-leaning bias.
9. It mentions that Fox News struggled to gain notice for a long time until the Monica Lewinsky scandal gave them a "gift".
10. The text discusses the power struggle between Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes, with Trump being caught in the middle.
11. It mentions that Fox News was hard on Trump, but the base loved him and he was on his way to becoming the Republican nominee.
12. The text reveals that Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes had to make a choice: get behind Trump or risk losing their base and ratings.
13. It mentions that Megyn Kelly, who could be Trump critical, was considered a potential future of the network.
14. The text reveals that the belief that Trump would probably win started to change Fox's primetime lineup.
15. It mentions that Sean Hannity became Fox's biggest star after Trump's rise to power.
16. The text reveals that with a freewheeling Murdoch now running the show and Trump in the White House, "fair and balanced" gets lost in the ratings chase.
17. It mentions that Fox and Trump are now both vying for the base's affection, with the base overwhelmingly wanting Trump and Trump cheerleading.
18. The text reveals that Fox News is breaking down that last little bit of independence that it expects from even its opinion hosts.
19. It mentions that after much uproar, Fox says they don’t condone anyone taking the stage.
20. The text reveals that with a new Murdoch taking the reins at Fox News, there’s speculation this dynamic might change.