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August 10, 2020 10:38 am  #1


Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

You wouldn't expect to see a story on Fox News' incredible success in The New York Times. But even they have to admit the controversial cable network, despite all the Trump insanity, is leaving its competitors in the dust - and that includes the major U.S. networks. 

Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

 

August 10, 2020 3:15 pm  #2


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

RadioActive wrote:

You wouldn't expect to see a story on Fox News' incredible success in The New York Times. But even they have to admit the controversial cable network, despite all the Trump insanity, is leaving its competitors in the dust - and that includes the major U.S. networks. 

Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Car crashes at rush hour are really popular on the 401, too.

 

 

August 10, 2020 3:43 pm  #3


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

I'm not a big supporter of the kind of news Fox purports to do, but to see that headline in the New York Times, of all places, was a big surprise. And frankly, it tells you a lot about what's going on down south. 

     Thread Starter
 

August 10, 2020 4:18 pm  #4


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Dial Twister wrote:

RadioActive wrote:

You wouldn't expect to see a story on Fox News' incredible success in The New York Times. But even they have to admit the controversial cable network, despite all the Trump insanity, is leaving its competitors in the dust - and that includes the major U.S. networks. 

Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Car crashes at rush hour are really popular on the 401, too.

 

 
Maybe people are tired of the other US media outlets spinning things so far to the left, they want to see how the right feels. Obviously, you are one on the left and hate other voices being heard,

 

August 10, 2020 5:22 pm  #5


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Fox News Network has been number one in the ratings for years, and since Trump came onto the scene  the train keeps on rolling.   So the NY Times is doing what any good paper should do, cover the story, and likely it has been a popular read today.

Just because editorially, the Times and Fox News are at opposite ends does not mean that the paper wouldn't do an article, on the network.  They are stating facts, Fox is number one for news.
 
Interesting to see that most americans are getting their COVID=19 information and opinions from Fox News...maybe that could explain some of the problems, confusion and lack of trust in government the country is having with the pandemic?  Other developed countries don't seem to be grappling with these issues nearly as much.  

Having said that, Fox doesn't really have that much competition on the right other than Sinclair media which does not have near the ratings or impact and is not a network.  All other major TV news media in the US tends to be center left so their end of the spectrum is much more crowded and competitive. 

However, regardless of how good or bad Fox News Network is, their website is dreadful and the comments after many stories are filled with hateful trolls, bots and everything is political.  The website is a mix of biased opinion pieces, national enquirer fluff stories, pandering to certain groups, and not a lot of actual news. 

Of course they have comments after almost every story which are often staged by "regulars" trying to be funny or for their moment of fame, and everything regardless of the story is a right or left issue...Garbage website in my opinion..and this supposed number one news network should be ashamed of a lot of the content and comments.

But hey it is all about freedom isn't it???  Hmmm..when does responsibility come into play?   Oh, I guess they will get to that eventually..but yelling about freedom and my rights is a lot more fun, and you don't need to justify anything.. 

Last edited by paterson1 (August 10, 2020 5:31 pm)

 

August 10, 2020 6:43 pm  #6


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

I imagine if you removed the over-60 crowd, the Fox ratings would be significantly less “incredible”.

 

August 10, 2020 7:11 pm  #7


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Not to get too political, but the US is different from a Canada in that historically there has been distrust or at least questioning of the government no matter who is in charge. Canada doesn’t seem to have that as much.

Last edited by Radio111 (August 10, 2020 7:12 pm)

 

August 10, 2020 8:29 pm  #8


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Radio111 wrote:

Not to get too political, but the US is different from a Canada in that historically there has been distrust or at least questioning of the government no matter who is in charge. Canada doesn’t seem to have that as much.

Absolutely, and Fox understands showbiz and selling their network. Also the fact that Mr. Trump appears or phones into Fox regularly and never gives any exclusive access to CNN or MSNBC is a factor too.  If he gives them an exclusive, ratings will go up, and all the other networks will need to report on the Fox exclusive.   Fox is always willing to give the president all the free time he wants.

A good insight into Fox News Network is the Loudest Voice, a really interesting and generally well done mini series that follows the later career of Roger Ailes and his creation of Fox News along with Murdoch family.   HBO production so it is on Crave. Gets a little seedy with Ailes womanizing but overall a good series and Russell Crowe is exceptional.

Generally I think canadians are suspicious of government as well but americans have a longer history of this, more organized, more vocal and have media to give them a voice, much more than here.  Not saying this is a good thing but it is another way the two countries differ.

However, I believe our system of government, for all it's faults works better and is quicker to react, even in a minority situation like today federally.  The COVID-19 pandemic has really shown the stark differences between the two styles of government and how our politicians reacted from all parties. We always hear so much about the checks and balances in the US, but then all we need to do is look at their current situation and leader.  Checks and balances mean nothing if they don't actually work.

The situation may change here and get worse, but 5 months into this nightmare the plans provincially and federally have been working overall and the healthcare system has held up.  It is still way to early to take a lap since the deck of cards here and elsewhere could still fall.

Also our media, like the different federal and provincial parties with  few exceptions, have bought into the spirit of cooperation and working to get through this problem. Most people understand this is a health issue and not a question of freedom or rights, and that speaks well for canadian society and even our media.

Third quarter over and the Raps still lead the Bucks!!

 

 

August 10, 2020 9:20 pm  #9


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

 
 
 
 
 
 
President Trump has referenced CNN's ratings on more than one occasion. His infamous head on collisions with Jim Acosta are often the battle scene where he makes such remarks. And of course he's right.

CNN is a disgrace. And the math says that quite a few Americans feel the same way. If Trump cured cancer CNN would run a story that he was putting doctors out of work. CNN makes me vomit. 


  
 

August 11, 2020 2:56 am  #10


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

The days of an unbiased media, presenting both sides of the story in a fair and balanced manner, are long gone. Even the venerable New York Times, long seen as a beacon of journalistic integrity, has thrown its lot in with the new order. Separation of editorial and news content, long the accepted way, now seems like a quaint relic, like typewriters and teletypes in the newsroom. The end result is for many a distrust of the media, which now mixes opinion and news content when that particular twain should never meet.

Last edited by Dale Patterson (August 11, 2020 2:58 am)


"Life without echo is really no life at all." - Dan Ingram
 

August 11, 2020 9:59 am  #11


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

unclefester wrote:

 
President Trump has referenced CNN's ratings on more than one occasion. His infamous head on collisions with Jim Acosta are often the battle scene where he makes such remarks. And of course he's right.

CNN is a disgrace. And the math says that quite a few Americans feel the same way. If Trump cured cancer CNN would run a story that he was putting doctors out of work. CNN makes me vomit. 

Those are the same "quite a few Americans feel the same way" who think the pandemic is a hoax, that Hillary ran a child sex ring from a pizza place basement & that Trump knows more than all the generals, than all the intelligence agencies, than all the medical professionals.

If you're not already in therapy, best get there quick .. 

 

August 11, 2020 11:41 am  #12


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

g121 wrote:

Those are the same "quite a few Americans feel the same way" who think the pandemic is a hoax, that Hillary ran a child sex ring from a pizza place basement & that Trump knows more than all the generals, than all the intelligence agencies, than all the medical professionals.

If you're not already in therapy, best get there quick .. 

From your lips to God's ear. 
 

 

August 11, 2020 11:52 am  #13


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Fox 'News' deserves credit for cornering the market on the 35% of hardcore Americans (white, over 55, southern states) that love their narrative...particularly the Ingraham, Carlson, Hannity shows that view anything on the left of the spectrum as an enemy of the state...Fox gives them what they like/want....for more proof of how their audience leans see this - https://www.thedailybeast.com/fox-news-ratings-collapsed-during-john-lewis-funeral 

 

August 11, 2020 1:11 pm  #14


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

unclefester wrote:

 President Trump has referenced CNN's ratings on more than one occasion. His infamous head on collisions with Jim Acosta are often the battle scene where he makes such remarks. And of course he's right.

CNN is a disgrace. And the math says that quite a few Americans feel the same way. If Trump cured cancer CNN would run a story that he was putting doctors out of work. CNN makes me vomit. 

Unclefester, you might find the Puget Sound radio board more to your liking. They often post batsh!t crazy Qanon conspiracy theories in their industry “news” section.

 

August 11, 2020 2:33 pm  #15


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Fox is also good at portraying themselves as the underdog.  Even though they have been the number one news cable network for over 18 years and by far the most profitable.  Fox is no underdog but they push the "us vs everybody else" narrative a lot and the fact that they speak for (in their mind) the average american.

Depending on your point of view, Fox has done a great job in rolling politics, natural disasters,unsubstantiated rumours, entertainment, tabloid fluff, sex, conspiracy theories, the seedy side of life, bits of sports and business all into one and presenting this every day and every hour.
 
Yes, Chris Wallace is a good journalist but one good journalist does not make a news network. Our own John Robertson (JD Roberts to some) is not bad, but he tends to ask softball questions to Trump at news conferences. And the prez often gives Robertson the first question since he knows it won't get him into trouble, and John won't push very hard.

I am surprised that more in the US media don't get upset or question Trump's overly cozy relationship with Fox.  Yes, every so often he fakes outrage about "what's going on with Fox these days.." when a story occasionally on the network didn't go his way, or he didn't like their take on something.

I would think other media should be really upset with the fact that Trump can call into Fox any time and get on the air for as long as he wants to ramble with another infomercial about himself.

The way that Fox and Friends, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Tucker Carleson, Bret Baier, Jeanine Pirro and many others fawn and make excuses for the president and his bad behaviour is actually very sad and beyond anything that resembles real journalism and professional commentary.

Disagree all you want, but their is only one "state broadcaster" in north america....and it ain't the cbc..not even close....

 

 

August 11, 2020 3:04 pm  #16


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

beyond fox, it's widely documented that trump is leaning toward OANN, which is even more right wing.  they have white house press credentials and are often called first or second after fox.  news is entertainment in the US, nothing more.  then there's john oliver's take on oann from april....

https://www.oann.com/


 

Last edited by splunge (August 11, 2020 3:07 pm)

 

August 11, 2020 3:11 pm  #17


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Agree wholeheartedly paterson1  .

Chris Wallace is good.  So was Shep Smith while he was there.  As for the rest .. I don't know how they look at themselves in the mirror. 
 

 

August 11, 2020 5:05 pm  #18


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Love it or hate it, the U.S. version of Fox News may soon be on more computers than ever worldwide. No word if Canada is on the list. 

Fox News International Streamer in the Works

     Thread Starter
 

August 11, 2020 6:42 pm  #19


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Fox News balances out MSNBC and CNN. Remember how they were fawning over Obama?
Face it, there’s no hard core “just the facts” news network in the US.

 

August 11, 2020 8:26 pm  #20


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Radio111 wrote:

Fox News balances out MSNBC and CNN. Remember how they were fawning over Obama?
Face it, there’s no hard core “just the facts” news network in the US.

What you say may be mostly true but the purpose of news networks is not to balance each other out.  CNN and NSNBC fawning over Obama? What about Fox News and 8 years of misinformation and outright lies about the previous president?

Ethically, there wasn't always a lot to criticize about Obama at least nothing on the same scale as Trump.  Questionable behaviour is almost daily, and Donald brings most of it on himself.   Fox just chooses to ignore or trivialize the presidents transgressions or not bother covering them.

Watching Fox and going to the website, you would think Obama had only stepped down from office last month. They still have the former president and his administration in their focus to deflect from Trump and his weaknesses..

I think the big three networks CBS,NBC and ABC are still mostly facts based and are balanced most of the time.  CNN. and Fox to me are both lost causes.  CNN comes across as petty, whiny and sometimes unglued about Trump and Fox is pandering to a very loyal and large base with content that this audience wants and believes to be true but is largely based on emotion and not facts. 

Fox is much better than CNN at selling themselves, and their brand of entertainment/news. However I do agree with a previous comment that part of Fox's ratings success could be that many people like to watch because they are entertaining but don't necessarily agree with the point of view of the network.  The latest polls Biden vs Trump seem to confirm this.

MSNBC I enjoyed a few months back.  They weren't fixated as much on Trump and seemed to be much more relaxed and even had some fun occasionally. Like CNN they are not fans of the current president, but at least they don't seem to go on about him 24/7 like CNN.  They were a refreshing change from the other two.

 

 

August 12, 2020 5:26 am  #21


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Obama had a mostly free pass from CNN and MSNBC. He was a media darling. Remember when he won the Nobel Prize, only to bomb countries? Ethically, the overuse of executive orders is an issue, granted for Trump too (as well as Bush, Clinton, etc).
Trump was a media darling too, until he ran for office.

 

August 12, 2020 9:35 am  #22


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Obama bombing countries and receiving the Nobel Peace prize are not related.  I recall he was very surprised why he even was nominated let alone win the award.  It is true that Obama certainly was a president more of war than peace but much of the bombings and two of the wars were inherited from the previous administration.

Media darling?  At the beginning definitely and most presidents are, but never on Fox or conservative talk radio in the US which dominates the AM airwaves.  In fact they were the opposite and manufactured falsehoods and half truths about Obama and his administration and did so for 8 years.  These organizations showed no respect for him or the office during his years in office.

Free pass from CNN and MSNBC?  Well they aren't going to report on the same half baked stories as Fox and some conservative talk shows when many of the stories aren't true.  And much of the "outrage from the right" was manufactured and exaggerated, not based on facts, so why would they report on something that was not factual and dare I say "fake"? 

It is amusing how Fox and hosts like Rush Limbaugh complain about how hard the mainstream media is on Trump all of the time and not giving him any credit.  Even when the president had good economic news, and something to cheer about, without fail he would say or do something stupid within a few days.  Then the focus is not on the good news but rather the presidents ego and incompetence, which he brings on himself.

Last edited by paterson1 (August 12, 2020 9:37 am)

 

August 12, 2020 11:33 am  #23


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

This is not directly related to the thread but it is to Trump and the 2020 election.

The 2020 election forecast from the excellent site 538 is out and they give Biden a 71 % chance of winning as of now. Of course they concede that there is a long way to go and anything can happen, plus they speak about the polling errors in 2016 and possible voter suppression and other election shenanigans etc etc but a good window into where things stand as of now and if there are changes between now and November this will be a good place to see how things are changing. A good read.

538 2020 Election Model.


Cool Airchecks and More:
http://www.lettheuniverseanswer.com/
 

August 12, 2020 11:42 am  #24


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Fitz wrote:

This is not directly related to the thread but it is to Trump and the 2020 election.

The 2020 election forecast from the excellent site 538 is out and they give Biden a 71 % chance of winning as of now. Of course they concede that there is a long way to go and anything can happen, plus they speak about the polling errors in 2016 and possible voter suppression and other election shenanigans etc etc but a good window into where things stand as of now and if there are changes between now and November this will be a good place to see how things are changing. A good read.

538 2020 Election Model.

That is an excellent site and should be admired and taken seriously by all sides.

BTW and while I'm here the talking heads at CBC news were referring to Kamala Harris as African American yesterday afternoon. Anyone else find that not only sloppy but also insulting?


  
 

August 12, 2020 12:54 pm  #25


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Sloppy and insulting?  No, CBC was far from the only network who referred to Kamala Harris as African American. CNN commentators did various times yesterday as did network news in the evening. 

 

August 12, 2020 1:08 pm  #26


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

paterson1 wrote:

Sloppy and insulting?  No, CBC was far from the only network who referred to Kamala Harris as African American. CNN commentators did various times yesterday as did network news in the evening. 

even after being corrected on air, tucker carlson continued to pronounce her first name incorrectly, saying "whatever".
 

 

August 12, 2020 3:14 pm  #27


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Radio111 wrote:

Obama had a mostly free pass from CNN and MSNBC. He was a media darling. Remember when he won the Nobel Prize, only to bomb countries? Ethically, the overuse of executive orders is an issue, granted for Trump too (as well as Bush, Clinton, etc).
Trump was a media darling too, until he ran for office.

I would posit that Trump was a media darling until he started down the birther path. Not sure if that was him showing his true colors or a calculated move. Of course years before there was his stance on the Central Park Five but that did not seem to resonate with the media at the time.

With the announcement of his candidacy and that that walk down the escalator and the talk about Mexicans being rapists etc the template was solidified. He did not earn many media accolades ( outside of fix noise and such) for making fun of a disabled journalist.
 


Cool Airchecks and More:
http://www.lettheuniverseanswer.com/
 

August 12, 2020 5:45 pm  #28


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

paterson1 wrote:

Sloppy and insulting?  No, CBC was far from the only network who referred to Kamala Harris as African American. CNN commentators did various times yesterday as did network news in the evening. 

Wow!! Even sloppier and more insulting than I thought

I hope CNN wasn't  misleading  their viewers on purpose


  
 

August 12, 2020 9:42 pm  #29


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Her own website calls her African American so as much as you want to dump on the CBC and CNN, she would know better than the old white men here what race she is.

https://www.harris.senate.gov/about

 

August 12, 2020 11:39 pm  #30


Re: Boycotted. Criticized. But Fox News Leads the Pack in Prime Time

Prod Guy wrote:

Her own website calls her African American   

   

That may well be her preference but i don't buy it

I just saw  a picture of her mom and dad earlier tonight. Have you not seen it?

While it may be convenient I still say she is fudging the facts.

She is mixed race or if you prefer a woman of colour.

Both those descriptors are far more accurate than African American

But it's much like Elizabeth Warren and her native American family tree (LOL).  I get it.

Harris is looking for votes and plays the race card. I get it.