REPORT: After Default Crisis Deal Struck, Fox Turned To GOP For Analysis
Published
After the announcement that a compromise between Congressional Republicans, Democrats and the White House on ending the default crisis had been made, Fox News overwhelmingly hosted Republican lawmakers to provide analysis on the deal. In its coverage following the announcement, Fox News hosted over three times as many Republicans as Democrats to discuss the issue.
Fox Overwhelmingly Hosts GOP To Discuss Default Crisis Compromise
Fox Hosted Over Three Times As Many Republicans To Discuss Default Crisis Compromise. Media Matters examined Fox News' programming beginning with a special edition of Fox News' Hannity, which aired shortly after reports emerged that Republican and Democratic leadership had forged a deal on the default crisis, through the networks' prime time programming on August 1. During that period, Fox News overwhelmingly hosted Republican elected officials to comment on the compromise. Between their “straight news” and “opinion” programming, Fox News hosted a total of 25 Republican elected representatives and only 8 Democratic representatives or administration officials.
Methodology
Media Matters monitored Fox News Channel's original programming in the 24 hours from the first mention of the compromise on the July 31 edition of Hannity. Members of Congress and administration officials were included in the count. Fox News contributors, former elected officials, former White House officials and declared or possible candidates for elected office were not included.
Members of the House and Senate were labeled based on their party identification, and members of the Obama administration were also counted and labeled as Democrats.