Fox News Navigates Democratic Convention Coverage Amid Audience Expectations
Fox News faces challenges in covering the Democratic convention, balancing news reporting with its predominantly Republican audience's preferences. The network's approach includes critical commentary and selective coverage of speeches.
In August 2024, Fox News Channel finds itself in a delicate position as it covers the Democratic National Convention. The network, known for its conservative-leaning audience, must navigate the complexities of reporting on a party energized by its election prospects while maintaining its viewership.
Fox News, launched in 1996 by Rupert Murdoch, has been the most-watched cable news network in the United States since 2002. However, its coverage of the Democratic convention has been markedly different from its approach to the Republican gathering in July 2024.
The network's personalities have described the Democratic proceedings as "boring" and filled with "hate," focusing on demonstrations outside the convention arena while giving less airtime to speakers inside. This approach reflects the challenges faced by news networks that blend breaking news with partisan political commentary.
Fox News' audience numbers for the Democratic convention have been significantly lower than those for the Republican event. This disparity aligns with a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, which found that 93% of Fox News' primary viewers identified as Republican.
The network's coverage has included interviews with some Democratic officials, such as Kamala Harris' campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. However, several prominent speakers, including Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, received limited airtime or critical commentary.
"We're at the DNC, so you don't have to be."
This selective approach to coverage has drawn criticism from media analysts. Brian Stelter, author of "Network of Lies," observed that "Fox did very little listening and a lot of talking" during the convention.
The network's handling of the Democratic convention reflects its broader strategy of catering to its core audience. This approach has been successful in maintaining viewership but has also led to controversies, such as the recent $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over coverage of the 2020 election.
Fox News' coverage choices highlight the ongoing debate about the role of news networks in political discourse and the blurring lines between journalism and opinion in cable news. As the 2024 election approaches, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of media discussions.
