Slow Burn: Season 10, Episode 6 – "What Hath We Wrought?"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Slow Burn
- Host/Author: Slate Podcasts
- Episode Title: The Rise of Fox News | 6. What Hath We Wrought?
- Release Date: October 23, 2024
Overview: In the gripping finale of Slow Burn’s 10th season, host Josh Levine delves into the pivotal years between 2000 and 2004, a period marked by the meteoric rise of Fox News and its profound impact on American media and politics. Joined by Brian Stelter, now CNN’s chief media analyst, the episode navigates the intricate web of media manipulation, political campaigns, and internal struggles that defined Fox News' ascendancy to power.
1. The Birth of Brian Stelter’s Engagement with Fox News
Early Beginnings: The episode opens with Brian Stelter recounting his initiation into the world of cable news analysis through his blog, Cable Newser. Launched anonymously during his first semester at Towson University, Stelter's blog rapidly gained traction, attracting thousands of industry insiders eager for cable news ratings and insights.
Brian Stelter [00:30]: "The way Roger Ailes saw it, the only thing that mattered in cable news was getting people to watch."
Fox News' Strategic Engagement: Fox News recognized Stelter's influence and began feeding him proprietary ratings data, positioning Cable Newser as a key platform to broadcast their success.
Josh Levine [02:20]: "Fox was number one. Fox had a great story to tell."
As Stelter’s credibility grew, he was invited to Fox News headquarters in 2004, where he met Roger Ailes, who exuded a commanding presence aimed at solidifying Fox's dominance.
Brian Stelter [04:24]: "Fox definitely wanted to woo me, you know, they wanted to impress me."
2. Manipulative Tactics and Personal Exploitation
The Pretend Date: Stelter recounts his interactions with a Fox News PR intern, initially perceived as a genuine relationship but later revealed to be a covert operation to monitor his activities and relay information back to Ailes.
Josh Levine [06:06]: "The intern was assigned to me to take me out, listen to everything I say, take notes, and feed information back to Ailes."
Psychological Manipulation: This manipulation extended beyond surveillance, with Fox News engaging in tactics to ensure Stelter remained aligned with their agenda despite ethical concerns.
Josh Levine [07:19]: "Fox definitely wanted to woo me... it was one of those things where, hey, the next time you're in New York, let's hang out."
3. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and the 2004 Election
Campaign Against John Kerry: As the 2004 presidential election approached, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth emerged, challenging John Kerry's military record. Fox News played a pivotal role in amplifying these unverified claims, significantly influencing public perception.
Brian Stelter [16:32]: "Calling Kerry French was the same as calling him a coward."
Kerry's Counterplay: Despite the aggressive campaign against him, Kerry leveraged his genuine military accolades to counteract the Swift Boat allegations, garnering support from veterans and the broader public.
John Kerry [17:06]: "The decisions that he made saved our lives. When he pulled me out of the river, he risked his life to save mine."
Media Landscape Manipulation: Fox News' relentless promotion of the Swift Boat narrative overshadowed mainstream media's fact-checking efforts, leading to significant doubts about Kerry's integrity among voters.
Brian Stelter [22:01]: "The ad sounded convincing, and Hannity said it was sure to drive the Cary campaign crazy."
4. Fox News’ Dominance and the Consequences of Partisanship
Fox’s Strategic Positioning: By securing the highest cable news ratings, Fox News established itself as a formidable media force, often prioritizing partisan narratives over journalistic integrity.
Josh Levine [27:18]: "60 Minutes has obtained government documents that indicate Mr. Bush may have received preferential treatment in the Guard after not fulfilling his commitments."
Impact on Public Perception: A study highlighted during the episode reveals that Fox News viewers were the most likely to be misinformed about the Iraq War, underscoring the channel's influence on public opinion.
Brian Stelter [58:33]: "Fox News viewers were the only group that were less informed the more they watched."
5. Internal Struggles and the Dark Side of Fox News
Sexual Harassment Allegations: The episode delves into the harrowing experiences of Andrea Macross, who sued Bill O'Reilly for sexual harassment. Her case exposed Fox News' culture of intimidation and retaliation against women who spoke out.
Andrea Macross [50:01]: "17 years and counting. Outside of my profession, where I belong, I never wanted the money. I wanted my day in court. I wanted my career. I wanted my voice."
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Macross’s eventual decision to speak out led to legal battles over her NDA, highlighting Fox News' strategy to silence and discredit accusers.
Brian Stelter [69:53]: "After Macra spoke to the Daily Beast, an arbitration panel asserted she had broken her NDA and ordered her to pay $100,000 in legal fees for the breach."
Roger Ailes’ Influence: Former Fox producers reflect on Ailes’ pervasive control, recounting instances of coercion and the network's unwavering defense of its stars, even amidst wrongdoing.
Josh Levine [65:09]: "I am very nice to Roger. I like Roger a lot. I think I'm just fine with Roger."
6. Reflections from Former Fox News Producers
Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: A closed WhatsApp group of ex-Fox News producers grapples with their complicity in building Fox’s power machine, questioning the ethical ramifications of their roles.
Brian Stelter [70:47] "It's like a group therapy session. You know, what was that? What did we do? Did I have anything to do with creating that audience? And I have to say I did."
Regret and Accountability: Producers like Josh Levine express deep remorse over their contributions to Fox News' rise, acknowledging the channel’s role in fostering divisiveness and misinformation.
Josh Levine [71:00]: "I think I can look back and see some of the coverage that was at the time. I was probably a little desensitized to it. But now I'm truly horrified by stuff."
7. The Lasting Impact and Legacy of Fox News
Establishment of Partisanship: By 2004, Fox News had cemented its place as a cornerstone of conservative media, shaping political discourse and influencing electoral outcomes through strategic messaging and relentless promotion of partisan narratives.
Josh Levine [57:37]: "The reason Fox News wins is very simple. We have some very fine journalists who've done an excellent job. And they come in every day and try to be fair. That simple."
Continued Influence and Modern Reflections: The episode concludes by reflecting on Fox News' enduring influence, the moral burdens carried by its former staff, and the broader implications for American democracy and media integrity.
Brian Stelter [72:55]: "What have we wrought is what they call that WhatsApp group. It's a question that all of them have been struggling to answer."
Notable Quotes:
- Brian Stelter [00:30]: "The way Roger Ailes saw it, the only thing that mattered in cable news was getting people to watch."
- Josh Levine [06:06]: "The intern was assigned to me to take me out, listen to everything I say, take notes, and feed information back to Ailes."
- Andrea Macross [50:01]: "17 years and counting. Outside of my profession, where I belong, I never wanted the money. I wanted my day in court. I wanted my career. I wanted my voice."
- Josh Levine [71:00]: "I think I can look back and see some of the coverage that was at the time. I was probably a little desensitized to it. But now I'm truly horrified by stuff."
- Brian Stelter [58:33]: "Fox News viewers were the only group that were less informed the more they watched."
Conclusion:
"What Hath We Wrought?" serves as a sobering examination of Fox News' transformation from a fledgling cable channel to a dominant force in American media. Through firsthand accounts, internal revelations, and critical analysis, Josh Levine and Brian Stelter unravel the complex dynamics of power, influence, and ethical compromise that fueled Fox News' rise. This episode not only chronicles historical events but also prompts listeners to reflect on the enduring legacy of media manipulation and its ramifications on society.
Further Listening: For more in-depth analysis and exclusive content, subscribers can join Slate Plus to access all past seasons of Slow Burn and additional bonus episodes. Visit slate.com/slowburnplus to subscribe.