Fox News

Overview

Fox News (officially the Fox News Channel) is an American cable and satellite news channel. It launched on 7 October 1996 and grew rapidly to become one of the most-watched cable news networks in the United States. The channel is owned by Fox Corporation.

Fox News is known for a schedule that combines straight news coverage during the day with prime-time opinion and commentary programming in the evening.

History

Founded by media executive Rupert Murdoch, who hired veteran television executive Roger Ailes as its first chief executive, Fox News entered a market dominated by established players. Within several years it had become the highest-rated cable news network in the country, a position it has held for much of its history.

Programming

The network’s daytime schedule focuses on news bulletins and reporting, while its prime-time line-up features high-profile opinion hosts and panel discussions. Fox News provides extensive coverage of US politics, elections and policy debates, and operates a companion streaming service, Fox Nation, with additional original programming.

Significance

Fox News is a major force in American media and political discourse, with a large and loyal audience. Its ratings success reshaped the economics of cable news and made it one of the most influential channels in the United States.