Fox Does It Again

Network continues to allow employees to promote Republican candidates and causes

Washington, DC -- Today, Media Matters for America responded to reports that Fox News' Glenn Beck is scheduled to host Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), who is running for a third full term in office, at Beck's "Taking Back America" town hall event on Saturday in Tyler, Texas. This latest example of Fox's political activism can be added to the more than 300 instances -- documented by Media Matters -- in which network personalities endorsed, raised money for, or campaigned for Republican candidates or causes, or against Democratic candidates or causes.

"After the Sean Hannity controversy, Fox had an opportunity to regain some shred of journalistic integrity. That opportunity is gone," said Ari Rabin-Havt, vice president of Communications and Research for Media Matters for America. "Beck stumping for Gov. Perry shows that Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes care much more about promoting the Republican Party than 'reining in' their employees."

BACKGROUND

Though Rupert Murdoch recently said he didn't think Fox should be supporting the tea party or any other party, Media Matters noted in a special report released last week:

In recent years, at least twenty Fox News personalities have endorsed, raised money, or campaigned for Republican candidates or causes, or against Democratic candidates or causes, in more than 300 instances and in at least 49 states. Republican parties and officials have routinely touted these personalities' affiliations with Fox News to sell and promote their events.

The report came after Fox News executives yanked host Sean Hannity from taping his April 15 show at a Cincinnati Tea Party event that charged admission and from which "all proceeds" benefited the organization. Following this embarrassing incident, the network reportedly planned to "keep a tighter rein on Hannity and others."

But, that "tighter rein" apparently does not extend to Perry's appearance at Beck's town hall. The Associated Press reported:

Although he has denied it, speculation is swirling that Perry may consider a run for president in 2012 and experts say appearing with Beck keeps him in the minds of conservative voters.

To review the more than 300 examples of Fox's political activism, please see:

REPORT: Fox Newsers rally for GOP in more than 300 instances and in nearly every state