Rebranding Fox 'News' Network: Responding to Propaganda
I wrote the following in response to a blog on the topic of Fox News Network you can view here :
One issue of concern. I travel quite a bit for my work. I stay in hotels all over the place and find myself looking at various sources for news and entertainment which are consistenly local cable offerings. What I have noticed is that most include Fox News as an option. Some include CNN. But MSNBC as an option is rare. TheraP also points out in a comment below that her husband has noticed that it is played in medical and auto repair centers etc.
My point is that this propaganda is widely disseminated and believed to be news by many unaware americans.
I had to explain to my own mother last year that FOX was not a 'news' channel. Seriously, she did not know and it never occurred to me that she would watch FNN. Fox is like a 24 hour a day commercial for propaganda, fear mongering, etc. AND many americans don't know that this is not news. Many americans watch a lot of television and sit through commercials trusting and believing information as it is presented... not understanding that they are being 'marked' or 'marketed'.
My father used to spout Bill O Reilly to me until he found himself friends with a gay couple (which was a miracle because my father was like Archie Bunker, prejudiced) and they were able to open his eyes.
Let's start a 'rebranding Fox News' effort as a sort of truth in advertising movement.
T-Shirts & Bumper Stickers, etc. with slogans pointing out to the public that they are being used.
We have some brilliant minds here on TPM. I think we could actually come up with a slogan or two that could actually be useful to support the general public that does not understand that Fox News is not a 'real' or 'fair and balanced' news channel but is instead a propaganda channel creating stories and suggesting how people should see and think about them, manipulating them.
I would like to come up with a slogan that might make someone think, create some question or doubt in their mind... just create the possibility of a little opening in there that maybe, just maybe they are giving too much power to FNN. My thinking is that while we could express our outrage and disgust via a slogan (go ahead and vent if you like), a more useful slogan would be simple (like 'Yes We Can') and thought provoking. While I am not suggesting that we could sway all FNN viewers, I am thinking that there is a target audience of people who just don't realize that what they are hearing is very tainted...
I ask that you contribute both your ideas and your feedback on others ideas. I also ask that you suggest, list, recommend all of the places and ways that this could be disseminated i.e. t-shirts, bumper stickers etc. (would you wear a shirt or have your dog wear one with your slogan on it or put it on your website,etc.?) How could we spread the movement so that other groups picked it up?
I'll start with this. Fox (Not) News (circle with slash through it over the word news)
Brainwashing America for $$
If you would like to contribute to the backstage efforts of actually manifesting this movement please contact me at: synchronicity@yeswecan.com
Great idea! I just left a comment on Stilli's post that would make a great t-shirt:
Why does Fox News hate America?
May 1, 2009 7:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I do like this one...
May 1, 2009 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mr. TheraP has noticed the same thing. Waiting rooms at our medical center. Waiting rooms for auto repair. And Fox is always running!
These folks must have some kind of "thing" going, where they help to pay for the tv's or the cable.
It's just too suspicious!
May 1, 2009 8:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. Thanks for sharing that. I really think there is a very intentional 'Karl Rovian' strategy to blast their message and keep it pumping in. I seriously think we can do something here. If we can find a really excellent response message that might actually give some people pause... (and maybe they would have to hear and see it many times before it takes hold) and are willing to buy a T-Shirt, bumper sticker so that it starts to get seen repeatedly... I do believe it can and will have an effect, however small. And small things like that have a tendency to grow.
May 1, 2009 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Murdoch's longtime MO. Then add Roger Ailes- oi!
May 2, 2009 2:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
brainwashing for money
And your bias for free
May 1, 2009 10:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL! That is so good, dd! Deserves a dayly award, I say! :)
May 1, 2009 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lady Thera, Too early yet. We have genius' here. ha
May 1, 2009 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
One for you, DD. “Fox News. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
May 2, 2009 2:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, had to change its name to the WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. Why not rebrand FNN FNE? Fox News Entertainment. It doesn't cover the bias, but it does cover the truth.
May 1, 2009 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll repeat mine:
Faux News-Unfair and Imbalanced
May 1, 2009 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
BTW, thanks for taking this on! It is really bugging me that they have so much access to the population, with no competition. Seriously, if you stop to think that this is the ONLY so-called news that many people get, you can see why so many on the right think the way they do.
May 1, 2009 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your great post that inspired me.
Seriously, it seems like a very insiduous propaganda campaign right under our noses that many of us who can see it for what it is have not fully responded to.
I think a real grass roots effort with a consistent solid message could actually make a difference. If you see it across the country... quietly popping up here and there. If we are willing to spend some money to buy a shirt, bumper sticker, etc. To get some people with popularity to sport it, even if they never say anything about it... we could create a real anti-propaganda campaign. It never occurred to me before so thanks for the inspiration.
I think it is important that the message not have undertones of being reactive so that it is not too easily dismissed. I am thinking of people like my mother and father and what might give people 'pause'.
May 1, 2009 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yet another of the great things about this site! We feed on each other's enthusiasm, and spark ideas! ...Glad to have been the impetus!
May 1, 2009 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fox News: You call that News?
This suggestion smacks of a tactic they use all the time. If you do not agree with them, then you must be stupid. Here's is an insidious proposal we all remember, "We have to be careful not to return to a pre-9/11 mindset." It scares people on two fronts. First, be careful or what? Pain? Punishment? Second, it's a mindset, so if you go there, you're not that smart, i.e. stupid. This taunt challenges people to explain why what they are hearing/seeing IS news.
Or,
Do you know what to think, or do you watch Fox News?
Fox News: Guardian of the American Henhouse
Is it real, or is it Fox News?
Fox?!? Doesn't this TV get any news channels?
MSNBC: Why won't they let you watch?
MSNBC: Because Fox is nowhere near fair nor balanced.
MSNBC: Asking the Right Questions
Fox: It's a One Party system
Fox: Because you can't handle the news!
Fox: They call if programming for a reason.
Fox: Why is that NOT propaganda?
Fox: Do you like being frightened every day?
Fox: Who needs horror films when there's Fox?
Fox: Scaring Americans since 1985(?)
Okay, I'm done for now, but I love the idea. Does it show? I've always said we have to have bmper stickers for the little guy, but we have to be wary to have more then that to support it. They are not mutually exclusive.
Fox is a dangerous voice and yes, they are everywhere. It's not a conspiracy in the sense everyone got together and decided to do this. It's a conspiracy in that those who watch it are convinced they know what is best for others and feel compelled to make others watch it too. It's that compulsion that is the greatest threat because it comes from a place that lacks an ability to hear other arguments.
May 1, 2009 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks!
I like
Fox News
Scaring America since 1985
You also gave me an idea for a domain name... I'm working on it.
May 1, 2009 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
ALL good GZ!
May 2, 2009 2:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like the idea. The real issue is that there will still be a 'structural' advantage to Fox in the Nielsen ratings, if they are the only cable news network in basic cable/satellite packages. I'd like a movement to make the cable companies, et al be required to provide any non-ecclesiastical news channel in their basic programming.
From the FCCfact sheet:
I don't know much about FCC regs but there seem to be some loopholes, (LOL), the cable companies are able to utilize in this regard.
May 1, 2009 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for making this point. We need to respond both by disseminating a message that points out the 'propaganda' and we need to engage in expanding the choices that are available as well.
I've decided this is a for real thing I can get involved in to make a difference. I got a new email address so that anyone interested in getting involved in someway can actually take part. I'd love to hear from you if you are interested. It would be great to flesh out some ideas for what could be done on the FCC and viewing front.
May 1, 2009 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
...and the e-mail address is?
May 1, 2009 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's at the bottom of the blog now
inresponsetopropaganda@gmail.com
May 1, 2009 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, I checked too soon!
P.S. I have suggested in a few other comments that all who wish to be able to communicate through back channels put your e-mail address in the bio field of your blog. If you are uncomfortable with using your regular address, it is simple and, of course free through Yahoo! to set one up w/ your screen name.
May 1, 2009 3:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Coca Cola and Pepsi used to give special deals to places that stocked their products exclusively in vending machines. I wonder if Fox has some kind of deal with the cable companies and/or proprietors?
May 1, 2009 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
On some level, Fox, (Rupert Murdoch), is the cable and satellite companies.
Owned by DirecTV Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation's Fox Entertainment Group
May 1, 2009 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Piggy, I had NO IDEA! This is beyond frightening...Well guys, it may be time to mobilize. This is just wrong, wrong, wrong.
May 1, 2009 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't realize D TV was Murdoch's either.
There's little doubt in my mind that the placement of Fox in waiting rooms has an impact on their ratings. But if this is the case, why aren't CNN, MSNBC and the networks doing something about it? If they can't do anything about it, what can we as individuals do?
How about just asking the store/doctor to change the channel when you're subjected to the fox noise involuntarily? I'm not above grabbing a chair and climbing up to change it myself.
May 1, 2009 6:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
The problem FDR is that a big chunk of America doesn't even have the OPTION of MSNBC...or if they do, it costs more. It's just not right.
May 1, 2009 7:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah. And the ease with which the DirecTV deal was approved by the gumint in 2003 or 2004 correlates directly with the wink-wink, nudge-nudge concensus between the Republican controlled congress and what they expected Murdoch to deliver on when the deal came through, (ie. pro-Republican coverage).
May 1, 2009 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's true. But I suspect the problem is, as noted below, that many people prefer Fox to begin with, especially in my red state.
Frankly, I can't stand any kind of tv in a waiting room and once asked the receptionist in a doctor's office to find a quiet room where I could wait since every one else in the packed waiting area seemed to be happy with the noise.
May 2, 2009 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well the other issue here is trying to help people to understand that Fox is NOT 'news'. They won't change the channel when they think these people are the straight story.
I understand that it seems like a lot to realize that Murdoch with his billions etc is in control but does that mean we just sit by at the affect of coexisting with those who really don't know any better or different. I think we need to do something. Something that is grass roots, subtle, and real.
May 1, 2009 7:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, that just getting a message out is important. My slogan: No News is better than Faux News!
May 1, 2009 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I suspect that's the biggest issue. It's hard to indoctrinate people with the kind of swill fox airs unless you're already in that camp.
May 2, 2009 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm... I hadn't thought of that but it could be that they are in hotel chains... and Rupert Murdoch probably owns or has connections with many businesses...
May 2, 2009 3:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
this is very smart, very encouraging to see the response. I wonder how Fox became the default "news" channel in so many public places. I actually found that Fox was more pervasive in my own family just last summer. As I became more active in blogging and in support of Barack Obama, I started noticing that members in my own family, living in Boston, were always watching Fox as their own default news channel. I was shocked. When you're busy with your kids and work and your own life, you're basically a news skimmer, so you don't really question the logic or validity of what's being reported. You just assume there's basically one version of the news, and the broadcast channel doesn't really matter.
May 1, 2009 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is so true...Back when we were Republicans we called CNN the "communist news network" and didn't even know MSNBC existed. We got our so-called "news" almost exclusively from Fox (along w/ some from the Wall St. Journal.)
It never crossed our minds that we were being indoctrinated. We feel so stupid now!
May 1, 2009 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
What exactly do you mean by bio field? I can put insynchronicity@gmail.com there if I now where it is. Just looked at blog options and didn't see biofield. Would it just be in my tpm profile?
May 1, 2009 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, it's in your profile that shows up on your blog page. Just hit the edit profile key up top, add the info and it will show up on your blog page
May 1, 2009 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's another one.
Rupert Murdoch uses Fox News(with cirlce slash negating) to tell you what to think
May 1, 2009 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh Synchronicity - Thanks for this post. One problem I see – There is NO NEWS for most of the day on Sundays, except Fox. That is just WRONG!!!
OxFay Eeews Nay!
Fox News,
A Rove Too Far
Bill O’Reilly?
Never on Sunday
They tried to make me go to Fox News
I said No, No, No!
Fox on Cable
Babble-on to Babylon
May 1, 2009 8:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
The quick brown Fox jumped over the lazy facts.
Fox News appeals to a dying generation that is being supplanted by the boomers. Anyone who identifies with this dying generation is attracted to Fox News because it tailors the world to their values. In order to believe Fox, you have to accept orthodox US history. We are the greatest nation that projects strength and prosperity throughout the globe. As long as you swallow this patriotic treacle and navigate your cognitve map from this perspective then Fox works.
Fox gives us a mythic infantile world of good and evil. And heaping helpings of sex. And outrage... Plenty of outrage for anyone who hates America.
As long as the Eisenhower generation remains a sizeable demographic, Fox will persist.
May 1, 2009 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny...
And understood.
Yet, my point is that all of the people watching Fox are not choosing or selecting but unaware of what they are actuall receiving and that it is not news.
Many in our country, sadly do not have an education in critical thinking. I was fortunate in that I received some of this in a 'mass media' course in public high school.
My mother has rejected Fox News and embraced new sources of information for example once I recognized that she did not know... it was just something I never spoke to my mother about. She did not go to college. I did not realize that she needed my help to expand her thinking.
My father, I always argued with but it took someone else to open his eyes.
I am just willing to write everyone off... leave them in fear and confusion when they just might prefer another choice if they realized there was an option.
I think of the hateful, fearful people spouting things at McCain's rally's last year... and I have to wonder how much of this is 'fox news brainwashing'...
Thanks for your comment.
May 2, 2009 1:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
I am just willing to write everyone off...
-should read 'NOT willing'
I won't correct my other errors but that one is essential.
I would reiterate that I don't see a need to abolish FOX News... although I would love to but I would like to create a movement or opening to allow more people to have more choices about what they think and believe... they seriously are being brainwashed.
May 2, 2009 1:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Olbermann does a great job of putting Fox (and Limbaugh) in their place. His comments uses phrases such as Faux News, Fox Noise, noted comedian Rush Limbaugh, etc. are great.
May 2, 2009 6:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
using
May 2, 2009 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
You may be reading too much into MSNBC's lack of presence on basic cable. I'm not current on the industry, but cable channels get bundled as networks when sold to cable providers. It may be the network MSNBC is bundled with is not attractive enough in both content and price for it to be offered in a basic cable package.
Time-Warner is a major cable provider in the US, and they also own CNN. It shouldn't be surprising that they'd choose CNN over MSNBC.
I'm not sure what cable network FoxNews gets bundled with.
The following might be of use to you:
"The FCC's 'a la Carte' Reports", Congressional Research Service, March 30, 2006
May 2, 2009 6:21 AM | Reply | Permalink