CNN's Stelter: Why Isn't Fox News Defending Tucker Carlson's Wild FBI Claims?

[left-of-center2012]

CNN chief media correspondent Brian Stelter asked why Fox’s so-called “hard news” division hasn’t delivered more reporting on this story since Carlson has called it an “incredible bombshell.” Noting on Sunday that Fox News’ news division has not followed up or defended Tucker Carlson’s wild and baseless claims that the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection was an FBI plot, the CNN host wondered aloud if the network vetted the opinion host’s reporting. Carlson sparked a firestorm of criticism last week when he referenced an article from a fringe far-right website to promote a new conspiracy theory that the FBI orchestrated the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Despite fact-checkers and legal experts pointing out that Carlson’s argument was completely meritless, Carlson tripled down on the unfounded theory, calling on other media outlets to “prove us wrong.” Carlson has challenged the media to “do his work for him” and prove his claims.

CNN’s Stelter continued: “Why haven’t they followed up on it since? Carlson alleged these explosive stories, claiming this is an incredible bombshell. Where is the Fox newsroom? Why isn’t ‘Special Report with Bret Baier’ covering this story every day? Why isn’t ‘Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace’ covering this incredible claim right now?”

Stelter also welcomed on fellow media critic David Zurawik, with
Zurawk immediately blasting Fox News as a “propaganda operation” that is “crooked and rotten from top to bottom.”

https://www.thedailybeast.com/cnns-brian-stelter-wonders-why-fox-news-isnt-defending-tucker-carlsons-wild-fbi-claims?ref=home

[calimary]

1. Saw that segment.

Thought I’d sprain my hand trying to take notes! I just hope I can read it all! I was exactly known for my penmanship in school. That condition not only prevails but has grown even worse.

My penmanship was so bad people either expected me to be a doctor or in training to be one.

[electric_blue68]

11. lefted handed by any chance? I'm left handed my penmanship...

goes messy when ever I have to write fast! 🙄

[mucifer]

2. The FBI is going after right wing congresspeople involved in 1/6 so this will be a huge battle. The

right wingers will throw every piece of propaganda they can to support their politicians and for the destruction of democracy.

[QED]

3. I thought the comments by rhetoric professor Jennifer Mercieca were telling.

She talked about how TC sets up his claims - activate the amygdala by ratcheting up the fear factor then, because people's rational brain is weakened, toss out the conspiracy theories. People's defenses are down so they buy it.

Here is a link to her segment:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/06/20/rhetoric-professor-explains-tucker-carlsons-tricks.cnn?utm_term=1624230277850f2f8403f6939&utm_source=cnn_Reliable+Sources+-+June+20%2C+2021&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1624230277852&bt_ee=WXqDu5eyKWvhWI8rAofQZnUCtxCeDnrt5zMgBL%2BOf%2BWIpYe7KSdcI6kUrInRwZSo&bt_ts=1624230277852

[TreasonousBastard]

4. 'Tis my understanding that Fox does not consider Carlson as actual news...

but as "news entertainment" or some such thing. Pretty much on the level of how The Daily Show is thought of by its owners.

So they see no need to encourage him.

[left-of-center2012]

5. That is mentioned in the linked article

Fox News can defend his views by stating it’s just “an opinion show and everyone knows it’s an opinion show.”

(Network lawyers, for instance, have successfully argued in court that Carlson should not be taken seriously.)

[TreasonousBastard]

6. Obviously I didn't read the article, but I do remember courts...

saying he's not to be taken seriously.

It is still, however, shameful that he is allowed on a "news" network without a disclaimer.

[Johonny]

9. He should be constantly pressed in court on this

I think the left is too soft in letting these slanders slide. Keep Tucker in court. He's not going to always find courts that buy that shit. It's FOX news, the people that watch think it's real and they know it.

[Raine]

10. Carlson has stated that he's a commentator, gives opinion piece's and

doesn't do news.

[struggle4progress]

7. Because they're a noise network

It's mostly Decibels for Dimwits

[Midnight Writer]

8. Last I saw FOX was all-hands-on-deck "investigating" Critical Race Theory.

They'll get around to stroking Tucker's tiny ego at some point.