Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy by Brian Stelter (Brief Review)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really did not need to read this book. First, I am fully aware of Fox News journalism standards or lack of. One only has to watch five or 10 minutes of Hannity, Waters, Bartiromo, Ingraham, or most Fox broadcasting. Neil Cavuto may be the last person on Fox who at least tries to be somewhat impartial. Second, there was a lot of discussion and disclosure about this book when it was first published. I can’t say that I learned anything new by reading the book from cover to cover.

Stelter focused on the career, behavior and broadcasts of Tucker Carlson. I just found it hard to believe that Carlson believed half of what he broadcasted. There is evidence from this book that he really didn’t – – that he was concerned primarily about ratings and keeping the Fox/Trump base entertained and inflamed.

Given all the scandals and the cartoon nature of most of Fox’s commentators, I find it hard to categorize it as a news organization. I think it is a propaganda arm of the Republican party like Joseph Goebbels was the propaganda arm for the Nazi party.

Given the contents of the book, I was incredulous that Fox commentators were so quick to support the election deniers like Rudy Giuliani. What happened to Maria Bartiromo? She had a excellent reputation as a business reporter and now she is no more than a shill for wackos with strange political beliefs and claims (Sidney Powell).

Despite Fox settling their case, paying Dominion $797 million, nothing has really changed in terms of their broadcasting standards. Yes Tucker Carlson is no longer there but most of the same sad crew continues to spew rumors, innuendos, lies and exaggerations. Sadly nothing has changed at Fox News.

Stelter did dig up some interesting anecdotes and offered some plausible theories about the behavior and motivations of the Murdochs and many of the Fox commentators. As an industry insider, his viewpoints are worth consideration.