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Coronaviruses

Fox News and the Spread of Conspiracy Theories

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Fox News is trusted by nearly as many Americans as respected news sources like NPR and MSNBC, but its viewers are just as likely to believe conspiracy theories as those who watch OAN or Newsmax. A new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights the complex relationship between Fox News, its audience, and the spread of false information about the pandemic. While some might argue that self-selection plays a role in this phenomenon, the data suggests that Fox News is not actively pushing back against conspiracy theories, at least not in the context of the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fox News is trusted for information on the pandemic by nearly as many Americans as NPR and MSNBC, but its viewers are more likely to believe conspiracy theories.
  • Those who trust Fox News are as likely to believe conspiracy theories as those who watch OAN or Newsmax, with half of Fox News viewers believing that ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID-19.
  • The Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 8 in 10 Republicans who most trusted far-right networks such as Newsmax and OAN believed that the 2020 election was stolen, while half of Republicans who most trusted mainstream news sources said the same.
  • Fox News is not actively pushing back against conspiracy theories, instead choosing to echo claims that may be false or exaggerated.
  • The network's decision not to challenge dishonest claims about the pandemic may be a result of its desire to retain viewers who believe such claims.

Statistics:

  • 47% of Americans trust Fox News for information on the pandemic (KFF).
  • 44% of Americans trust NPR for information on the pandemic (KFF).
  • 43% of Americans trust MSNBC for information on the pandemic (KFF).
  • 50% of Fox News viewers believe that ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID-19 (KFF).
  • 71% of Republicans who most trusted far-right networks such as Newsmax and OAN believed that the 2020 election was stolen (PRRI).
  • 50% of Republicans who most trusted mainstream news sources believed that the 2020 election was stolen (PRRI).

Sources:

  • Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
  • Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).
  • One America News (OAN).
  • Newsmax.
  • NPR.
  • MSNBC.
  • CNN.

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