Murphy’s Logic: Fox News should not be banned
Fox News has a well-earned reputation for one-sided story telling and commentary that usually promotes conservative politics and causes. It was the favoured television network of Donald Trump before and during his presidency, just as he was Fox’s favourite.
Fair-minded viewers see Fox News for what it often is - a propaganda machine for the Republican party, science skepticism, conspiracy theories and Trumpian fairy tales. Its content is not really news, which is - by definition - fair, accurate and balanced.
Fox News was created as owner Rupert Murdoch’s antidote to what he sees as the predominantly left leaning news media. Ironically, news channels like MSNBC have moved even further left in response.
While there is often a tilt to the left in much legitimate news, there is not usually the sort of deliberately twisted editorial content and sometimes hurtful disinformation proffered by Fox’s so-called newscasts and many of its commentators.
I know this only because I am able to watch Fox and compare its perspective, tone and coverage to that of other news sources.
Which is why I oppose the idea of banning the Fox News channel from Canadian cable systems, something being considered by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
It’s not necessary.
The only people who get the channel are those who opt to pay for it and choose to watch it. It’s completely voluntary. Most Canadians choose not to pay.
It might be wise to require that the Fox News channel be bundled with other services that offer more balanced viewpoints, so that more viewers can compare.
But cutting off those who subscribe to Fox won’t prevent Fox‘s odious content from seeping into the country through social media.
The best way to make sure people are properly wary of what Fox News does, is to allow viewers to see it for what it is.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Security Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
BREAKING Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
Ontario Provincial Police say they have 'disrupted' an organized crime group that allegedly used an emergency grandparent scam to defraud seniors across Canada out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.