Fox News Watch
| Fox News Watch | |
|---|---|
 Former logo of Fox News Watch | |
| Genre | Current Events debate program |
| Presented by | Jon Scott |
| Starring | Howard Kurtz, Jim Pinkerton, Cal Thomas, Ellis Henican, Judith Miller, Kirsten Powers. |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Location(s) | New York City |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | Fox News Channel |
| Picture format |
480i NTSC 720p (HDTV) |
| Original release | 1997 – August 31, 2013 |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Fox News Watch is an American current event debate program on the Fox News Channel hosted by Jon Scott which was dedicated to discussing media bias. The show ended August 31, 2013, replaced by the similar MediaBuzz.
Format
The show features a panel composed of two conservatives and two liberals, moderated by Scott. Similar in premise to CNN's Reliable Sources, the panel on Fox News Watch discusses how the media portrayed certain news stories from the previous week. Panelists also discuss the overall condition of the American news media, such as the newspapers, cable news networks, broadcast networks, and other popular news outlets.
Departures
On February 2, 2008, Eric Burns said that Neal Gabler had left the show to work for PBS and that Jim Pinkerton had left the show to work for Mike Huckabee. As of June 2008, Pinkerton had returned to the panel.
Burns' contract was not renewed and expired in Spring 2008, reportedly saying in an interview that, "Fox News has told me that my contract will be terminated within the next 2 months, perhaps sooner. I was given no reason. It certainly has nothing to do with ratings; the last episode of Fox News Watch was the second highest-rated weekend show on all 3 cable news networks and the program has almost been in the top 4 or 5. I have no theory, none, why they are getting rid of me. Although I heard rumors, I have never heard reasons." Fox News responded by saying Burns's contract was a contributor agreement rather than a talent agreement.[1] Burns was replaced by Jon Scott.
The final Fox News Watch program aired August 31, 2013.
Howard Kurtz hosts the replacement program MediaBuzz.[2]
Personalities
Hosts
- Eric Breindel (1997–1998)
- Eric Burns (1998–2008)
- E. D. Hill (2008)
- Jon Scott (2008-2013)
- Rick Folbaum (2009-2013)
Panelists
Former Panelists
- Neal Gabler (2002–2008)
- Laura Flanders (1997–1998)
- Jeff Cohen (1997–2002)
- Jane Hall (1997–2009)
Reception and Criticism
Left-wing media critics and bloggers argue that Fox News Watch perpetuates the myth of liberal bias in the mainstream media while ignoring conservative bias by Fox News.[3][4] Fox News Watch has also been accused of ignoring or dismissing controversies concerning Fox News' parent company, News Corporation, such as when an outtake was leaked online showing the program's panelists refusing to discuss News Corp's phone hacking scandal.[5][6]
References
- ↑ TVNewser: Eric Burns Out at Fox News. February 8, 2008.
- ↑ Stelter, Brian (June 20, 2013). "Howard Kurtz, CNN's Media Critic, Leaves for Fox News". The New York Times. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
- ↑ Mike Burns (24 July 2010). "Fox News' media critics deflect blame from Fox News on Sherrod story". Media Matters for America.
- ↑ Matt Gertz (18 April 2010). "Fox News' media critics ignore recent Hannity, O'Reilly scandals". Media Matters for America.
- ↑ David Neiwert (11 July 2011). "Fox's 'News Watch' program discusses everything BUT the Murdoch phone-hacking scandal". Crooks and Liars.
- ↑ "Fox News Watch Does Damage Control For Parent Company, Blames Phone Hacking On "Tabloid Culture"". Media Matters for America. 7 August 2011.