Fox News Launches, Revolutionizing American News in 1996

On October 7, 1996, the launch of the Fox News Channel marked a significant turning point in the American media landscape. Founded by media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Fox News emerged as a formidable contender against the established networks, reshaping how news was consumed across the nation.

In the years leading up to this launch, 20th Century Fox, a film and animation production company, had been acquired by Murdoch’s News Corporation in 1985. This acquisition required Murdoch, originally from Australia, to obtain United States citizenship, a move aimed at securing Federal Communications Commission approval for the takeover. Following this, he launched the Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986, positioning it as a rival to ABC, CBS, and NBC. While previous attempts at establishing a fourth network had faltered, Murdoch’s strategy proved more effective.

By the early 1990s, Fox had made significant strides, securing the rights to air NFL games and establishing a network of affiliated stations. By 1996, it was reaching approximately one-third of television audiences in the United States, with its broadcasts available in 96 percent of American homes. Murdoch’s vision for a 24-hour news channel was inspired by the success of BSkyB‘s Sky News in the UK, which had launched in 1989. He identified a growing demand for news that resonated with viewers personally.

To spearhead this new venture, Murdoch appointed Roger Ailes, a seasoned producer and Republican consultant. Ailes, who had gained recognition during Richard Nixon‘s presidential campaign in 1968, committed to rigorous preparation and long hours to ensure a successful launch.

On its first day, Fox News began broadcasting and initially reached 17 million households, though it was not available in major markets like New York or Los Angeles. The format included 20-minute shows focused on single topics such as crime and politics, featuring programs like The Schneider Report and evening opinion shows including The O’Reilly Report and Hannity & Colmes.

Fox News distinguished itself with its vibrant graphics and innovative presentation styles, including the introduction of the “Fox News Alert,” which interrupted programming for breaking news updates. During significant events like the attacks on September 11, 2001, the channel employed a news ticker to manage the influx of information, a simple yet groundbreaking approach.

Commercially, Murdoch and Ailes achieved notable success. By 2002, Fox News had surpassed CNN in ratings, with viewership tripling during the early stages of the Iraq War. By 2006, it was home to eight of the ten most-watched nightly cable news programs. Today, Fox News remains the most popular cable news channel in America, generating around 70 percent of Fox Corporation‘s pre-tax profits.

The impact of Fox News on American political discourse cannot be ignored. While it has garnered a loyal audience, particularly among Republicans—two-thirds of whom view it favorably—it has also contributed to the polarization of American politics. Ailes defended the channel’s approach, stating, “We’re not programming to conservatives. We’re just not eliminating their point of view.” Although Fox News did not openly endorse Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, it shifted its support decisively after he secured the nomination.

The network’s editorial choices have intensified in the Trump era, often described as favorably biased towards the former president. Its coverage has been criticized for downplaying stories detrimental to Trump, while frequently attacking rival media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times.

Today, the landscape of American news is characterized by Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC as the leading channels. Despite attracting only 2 million to 3 million viewers out of a population of 340 million, its influence is profound. The question remains whether Fox News has genuinely altered the political views of American voters or merely amplified the voices of a vocal minority.