Slow Burn – Season 10 Trailer: The Rise of Fox News
Podcast: Slow Burn
Host: Josh Levine (Slate Podcasts)
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Episode Overview:
This trailer sets up Season 10 of Slow Burn, focusing on the unlikely ascent of Fox News from its scrappy origins in the late 1990s to becoming a cultural and political powerhouse—particularly during the pivotal years between the 2000 and 2004 elections. The season promises insider interviews, untold stories, and an exploration of the passionate opposition that arose against Fox News’ rise.
Main Theme
Season 10 explores how Fox News, initially dismissed as a minor player, transformed American media, politics, and public life—and investigates whether anyone could have stopped its rise.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Fox News’ Unconventional Beginnings
- The channel’s launch in 1996 was marked by boldness and a spirit of rebellion against the status quo.
- (00:02) A: “When the Fox News channel launched in 1996, it wasn't powerful or popular, but it was original. Few broadcasts take any chances these days and most are very politically correct. Well, we're going to try to be different.”
- Fox differentiated itself by embracing controversy and rejecting political correctness.
- (00:16) B: “Nothing is out of bounds, nothing is off the table. There was action and it was interesting and it was challenging.”
- (00:21) A: “It's gonna be kick ass and I wanna be part of it.”
2. Becoming a Political & Cultural Force (2000-2004)
- The trailer highlights Fox News’ metamorphosis during the early 2000s—from a channel with “users” to one with “fans.”
- (00:34) A: “The difference is CNN had users, Fox had fans.”
- The network’s approach to patriotism and on-air symbolism:
- (00:49) B: “I'm okay with wearing an American flag and I'm okay with putting it in my graphic. And if you're not, I think you need to examine who you are today.”
3. Uncertainty About Fox’s Future
- With the upcoming election, the fate and influence of Fox News grow less predictable.
- (00:58) A: “As another election approaches, Fox's future prospects feel totally uncertain. In this moment, I wanted to understand where Fox News came from and whether anyone could have stopped it.”
4. Opposition, Backlash, and Scrappy Spirit
- The trailer frames the fight against Fox as an underdog battle:
- (01:10) B: “Here we were like scrappy little fighters and we're going to take them down. And they were like, oh, look how cute they are.”
- Lawsuits and legal clashes are hinted at:
- (01:18) A: “And he said, you're being sued by Fox. And I went, really? That's Fox. Fabulous.”
5. Insider Revelations and Internal Culture
- Season 10 will feature candid interviews with insiders and those affected by Fox’s rise:
- (01:28) B: “One of my correspondents finished his live shot and I said, what was that? And he said, we now refer to it as pro abortion. I was not told beforehand for good reason. I wouldn't have gone along with it.”
6. Personal Impact and Victim’s Perspective
- The emotional toll on employees and the network’s targets is acknowledged:
- (01:40) A: “And you'll hear from Fox's victims who are still coming to terms with how a cable news channel upended their lives.”
- (01:46) B: “Maybe they couldn't find anything wrong with the actual work I was doing, so they went after me.”
7. Fox News Fans and Cultural Impact
- The channel’s deep resonance with its audience, and a candid warning:
- (01:54) A: “I would tell people, I work for Fox News. They say, oh, man, Fox, I love Fox. That's all I watch. I would say to them, don't do that to your brain.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Fox’s early spirit:
- A: “It's gonna be kick ass and I wanna be part of it.” (00:21)
- On the difference between CNN and Fox:
- A: “The difference is CNN had users, Fox had fans.” (00:34)
- On patriotic imagery:
- B: “I'm okay with wearing an American flag and I'm okay with putting it in my graphic. And if you're not, I think you need to examine who you are today.” (00:49)
- On the Fox News phenomenon:
- A: “As another election approaches, Fox's future prospects feel totally uncertain. In this moment, I wanted to understand where Fox News came from and whether anyone could have stopped it.” (00:58)
- On being sued by Fox:
- A: “And he said, you're being sued by Fox. And I went, really? That's Fox. Fabulous.” (01:18)
- On internal editorial policy:
- B: “We now refer to it as pro abortion. I was not told beforehand for good reason. I wouldn't have gone along with it.” (01:28)
- On the impact of Fox News:
- A: “I would tell people, I work for Fox News... don't do that to your brain.” (01:54)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:02 — Fox News’ launch and original spirit
- 00:16–00:21 — Embracing controversy and excitement
- 00:34 — CNN vs. Fox News: Users and fans
- 00:49 — Patriotism in Fox News branding
- 01:10 — “Scrappy little fighters” and opposition
- 01:18 — Legal battles illustrated
- 01:28 — Editorial tactics and internal dissent
- 01:46 — The personal impact on employees
- 01:54 — The passionate Fox News audience and internal caution
Conclusion
This trailer for Season 10 of Slow Burn promises a gripping, multifaceted investigation into Fox News’ rise, pairing first-hand accounts from insiders and opponents with probing questions about how and why this pivotal media entity became so influential. With its signature focus on the personal, cultural, and political repercussions of historical inflection points, the season aims to shed light on the legacies and consequences of Fox News’ ascent—just in time for another consequential election season.