Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism (2004)

Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism is a 2004 documentary film directed by Robert Greenwald that dives into the operations of Fox News Channel and its owner, Rupert Murdoch. The film exposes the network’s conservative bias, which starkly contradicts its self-proclaimed motto of being “Fair and Balanced”.

The documentary meticulously examines several aspects:

1. Media Ownership Concentration: It scrutinizes the global expansion of Murdoch’s media empire and the implications of having one individual control a massive conglomerate. The film raises questions about the impact on press freedom when such immense power rests in the hands of a single person.
2. Coverage of the Iraq War: Outfoxed reviews Fox News’s reporting during the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It highlights how the network framed the narrative and influenced public perception.
3. Pressure on Journalists: Former Fox News journalists share their experiences, revealing instances where they felt pressured to skew their reports in favor of the Republican Party. The film sheds light on the network’s alleged tactics to promote a specific political agenda.
4. Intimidation Tactics: The documentary captures moments when Fox News commentators, including Bill O’Reilly, aggressively confronted guests with opposing views. For instance, author and activist Jeremy Glick faced intense intimidation during an interview.
5. Political Imbalance: Studies cited in the film demonstrate that Fox News consistently provided more airtime and coverage to Republican politicians, particularly those associated with the George W. Bush administration, than to Democrats.
6. Premature Election Result Calling: The film also questions whether Fox News’s premature declaration of George W. Bush’s victory in the 2000 presidential election influenced the official outcome.
7. Editorial Control: Outfoxed dives into the management of Fox News, including both Murdoch and President Roger Ailes. Allegations of editorial control and the network’s strongly conservative perspective are explored.
8. Former Employees Speak Out: Former Fox News journalists critique the network’s methods and perceived integrity. One example involves reporter Jon Du Pre, who was suspended for not providing a celebratory enough live shot from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

In summary, Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism reveals the inner workings of Fox News, challenging its claims of impartiality and revealing the influence of powerful individuals on media content. The film serves as a thought-provoking exploration of media manipulation and its impact on democracy.