Fox News

Fox News Channel was launched on October 7, 1996, by media mogul Rupert Murdoch to cater to a conservative audience and provide a counterpoint to what was perceived as liberal bias in mainstream media. The cable news network was developed under the direction of Roger Ailes, a former Republican media consultant, who became the founding CEO. With its launch, Fox News aimed to provide "fair and balanced" news coverage and became known for its right-leaning commentary and opinion shows. Despite controversy and criticism, Fox News quickly grew in popularity and became a significant player in the American media landscape.

On November 7, 2000, Fox News was involved in a major controversy during its coverage of the U.S. Presidential election. The network was the first to project George W. Bush as the winner of Florida's 25 electoral votes, a decision that was later seen as pivotal in a highly contested election. Fox's early call was made by John Ellis, a first cousin of George W. Bush, raising questions about impartiality and ethics in journalism. The decision influenced other networks to follow suit, and the backlash contributed to ongoing debates about media bias and the role of Fox News in shaping public perception.

In January 2002, Fox News faced a lawsuit when Andrea Mackris, a former producer for "The O'Reilly Factor," filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against the show's host, Bill O'Reilly. The lawsuit alleged several inappropriate conversations and behavior by O'Reilly. The case was settled out of court in October 2004 for a reported amount of $9 million. This case brought significant attention to Fox News and raised questions about workplace culture and accountability within the organization, sparking public discussions about sexual harassment in media and corporate environments.

In March 2003, Fox News filed a lawsuit against comedian Al Franken over the use of the phrase "Fair and Balanced" in the title of his book. The phrase was a registered trademark of Fox News, and they argued that Franken's use of it was unauthorized and could cause confusion, diluting its significance. The case was dismissed that August, with the judge characterizing Fox's trademark argument as "wholly without merit" and a "seemingly frivolous lawsuit." This case was widely publicized and mocked, reflecting on the limits of trademark law and the media's broader use of language.

On July 21, 2016, Roger Ailes, the Chairman and CEO of Fox News, resigned following a series of sexual harassment allegations. The controversy began when former anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit claiming Ailes had made unwanted advances and sabotaged her career after she rejected him. Other women came forward with similar allegations, leading to Ailes' departure. His resignation marked a significant moment for Fox News as it triggered internal investigations, prompted discussions about the company's culture, and eventually led to further scrutiny regarding sexual misconduct in the workplace.

On April 19, 2017, Fox News announced that Bill O'Reilly would not be returning to the network following an internal investigation into multiple sexual harassment allegations. O'Reilly, who hosted the top-rated cable news program "The O'Reilly Factor," was let go after reports revealed settlements paid to several women. The decision to fire O'Reilly, a prominent figure in conservative media, marked a significant shift in Fox News' handling of such controversies, emphasizing their commitment to change after similar issues surrounding former CEO Roger Ailes.

In May 2020, a lawsuit was filed by the Washington League for Increased Transparency and Ethics against Fox News, accusing the network of misleading the public about the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit argued that Fox News' coverage downplayed the virus's risks, thus endangering public health. The case was dismissed by a Washington state judge, who cited First Amendment protections for Fox News' right to free speech and opinion, sparking debates over the media's role and responsibility during health crises and the boundaries of First Amendment rights.

On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was attacked by supporters of then-President Donald Trump, and Fox News provided extensive live coverage of the chaotic events. The network's commentators and journalists reported on the insurrection, a key moment in U.S. political history. However, the coverage was criticized, with some suggesting that Fox News' previous rhetoric had contributed to the charged political atmosphere leading up to the riot. This event emphasized the media's powerful influence on public opinion and the responsibility associated with broadcasting to a large audience.

On December 13, 2021, a man set fire to the Fox News Christmas tree outside the network's headquarters in New York City. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning and was captured live on camera, leading to arrests on charges of arson, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief. Fox News condemned the act as a "brazen and outrageous" assault, further bolstering security around their premises. While no injuries were reported, the event garnered widespread media attention and put a spotlight on the issue of security for media companies and public-facing properties.

On April 18, 2023, Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million, one of the largest settlements in a defamation case in U.S. history. The lawsuit stemmed from false claims spread by Fox News hosts and guests that Dominion's voting machines had rigged the 2020 U.S. Presidential election against Donald Trump. The settlement avoided a trial that could have further exposed Fox News to public scrutiny over allegations of pushing baseless election fraud narratives, impacting its journalistic integrity and responsibilities.