Slow Burn – Season 10, Episode 4: The Rise of Fox News | Beacon of Truth

In this episode of Slow Burn, host Josh Levine delves into the transformative years between 2000 and 2004, a period marked by the meteoric rise of Fox News and the counter-movements it sparked. Through firsthand accounts and insightful interviews, the episode unpacks the intricate dynamics between Fox News, The Daily Show, and the broader media landscape, highlighting the enduring impact on American society.

1. Introduction: Comedy as a Coping Mechanism

The episode opens with an exploration of how comedy served as a vital outlet for individuals grappling with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Elliot Kalin recounts his reliance on humor and shows like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" as a means to process the tumultuous political climate.

Elliot Kalin [00:53]: "The number one thing that drew me to the show was it was funny, but it was also exciting to have any show that was presenting a viewpoint that's similar to mine."

2. The Birth and Evolution of The Daily Show

Madeline Smithberg and Liz Winstead, co-creators of The Daily Show, share their journey in creating a satirical news program aimed at dissecting media narratives. Initially conceived as a parody of cable news, the show struggled to find its footing with Craig Kilbourne as the original host.

Madeline Smithberg [08:19]: "Here’s your host, he makes his own gravy. Jon Stewart."

The transition to Jon Stewart's leadership marked a pivotal shift. Stewart repositioned the show to serve as a "beacon of truth," critically analyzing Fox News' influence on American politics.

Jon Stewart [13:25]: "Welcome, welcome to the Daily Show. Craig Kilbourne is on assignment in Kuala Lumpur. I'm Jon Stewart."

3. The Daily Show vs. Fox News: A Media Clash

As Fox News rapidly gained viewership, The Daily Show intensified its critique of the network. The episode details how Stewart and his team employed satire to expose Fox News' partisan bias, particularly during the contentious 2000 Florida recount and the lead-up to the Iraq War.

Jon Stewart [15:29]: "They're killing me, slowly eating away my flesh."

Elliot Kalin emphasizes the asymmetry in power between The Daily Show and Fox News, noting that Fox often dismissed their critiques while The Daily Show struggled to effect meaningful change.

Elliot Kalin [21:57]: "It always felt to me like they were much bigger than us. They were this leviathan and we were like a much smaller boat that was just kind of stabbing them with spears or pitchforks or whatever, and then they would shrug it off."

4. Internal Struggles and Editorial Control at Fox News

The episode unveils the stringent editorial control exercised by Fox News, primarily through internal memos directed by Senior Vice President John Moody. These memos dictated the network's partisan stance, often sidelining unbiased journalism in favor of agenda-driven reporting.

Madeline Smithberg [43:20]: "They were a signal to the reporters in the field and to the people writing news copy here of what our editorial position, most often partisan, was going to be that day."

Charlie Rena, a Fox News producer, becomes a whistleblower by exposing these editorial directives, leading to significant backlash from the network.

Charlie Rena [47:36]: "Now, the last thing I wrote was at the fair and balanced network, everyone knows management's point of view."

5. Personal Accounts of Harassment and Misogyny at Fox News

Ashley Banfield’s narrative provides a harrowing glimpse into the hostile work environment at Fox News. From inappropriate advances by Roger Ailes to systemic sexism, Banfield’s story underscores the pervasive challenges faced by women in the media industry.

Ashley Banfield [53:07]: "You can win 5 million Emmys and only hear about how your hair looked that day."

Her confrontation with Ailes and subsequent career struggles illustrate the personal toll of working within such a toxic environment.

Ashley Banfield [59:23]: "And I remember him for like an hour suggesting that I didn't get it, that I didn't understand how it works. And then at the end he just gave me a big look. Up and down, he said, but you're still looking hot."

6. The Impact of Fox News and The Daily Show on American Politics

The symbiotic relationship between Fox News and The Daily Show is examined, highlighting how both entities shaped public perception and political discourse. While Fox News bolstered conservative viewpoints, The Daily Show fostered skepticism and cynicism toward mainstream media and political institutions.

Jon Stewart [21:13]: "This war has truly belonged to Fox. Not only did they start it, but they managed to offer. They managed to offer fair and balanced coverage while combining the subject they were covering with their own promotion."

7. The Legacy and Continuing Influence

The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting legacy of The Daily Show’s confrontation with Fox News. It underscores the enduring divide in media representation and the ongoing struggle of progressive voices to counterbalance entrenched conservative narratives.

Liz Winstead [57:44]: "That award was for work done in co creator Madeline Smithberg's last year as executive producer."

8. Conclusion: A Story Beyond Fox News

Beyond the specific focus on Fox News, the episode frames the narrative as part of a broader story about media ethics, political influence, and the power dynamics within news organizations. The personal testimonies and historical recounting offer a comprehensive understanding of a critical period in American media history.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Stewart [05:34]: "I make my living watching Fox News eight hours a day. I'm already in hell."

• Ben Carlin [14:35]: "I think the Daily show was just trying to say what the fuck to institutions or public figures who were being shitty or disingenuous."

• Ashley Banfield [38:32]: "I can't believe you're saying that anywhere on tv, let alone Fox, you've got."

Key Takeaways:

• Media Influence: Fox News’ rise significantly altered the landscape of American media, embedding conservative ideologies deeply into public discourse.

• Satire as Resistance: The Daily Show emerged as a counterbalance, using satire to critique and expose media biases, fostering a more critical and informed audience.

• Workplace Challenges: The internal culture at Fox News, marked by harassment and strict editorial control, had profound effects on its employees and the broader media environment.

• Enduring Impact: The dynamics between Fox News and The Daily Show continue to influence media strategies and political narratives in the United States.

This episode of Slow Burn provides a nuanced exploration of the early 2000s media wars, offering listeners an in-depth look at the forces that shaped contemporary American news and politics.