Fox News’s recently-launched streaming platform Fox Nation has made a strong showing since its 2018 debut. But the subscription-based news service, which is a haven for conservative and un-politically correct viewpoints, has also been targeted by media hit pieces.
The Hollywood Reporter ran a story about the “reeling” Fox Nation on Wednesday, rehashing a controversy from last month. In June, Fox News said it had “investigated” and “resolved” the matter after “Un-PC” host Britt McHenry reportedly accused former pro-wrestler and co-host Tyrus of sexual harassment.
Un-PC allegations
According to a report from The Daily Beast, sources claimed that Fox leadership was aware that McHenry accused Tyrus of sending her lewd and unwanted text messages of a “sexual” nature and moved him to a new show, “NUFF SAID.”
Citing Fox News insiders, the Daily Beast reported in June that Tyrus has a habit of making offensive or “politically incorrect” remarks or jokes. “He’s got a wild sense of humor, if we’re being generous,” a current female Fox Nation employee said.
McHenry reportedly hired an employment lawyer with a history of litigation involving the network, and on June 12, McHenry tweeted her displeasure with the way Fox News had handled her allegations. “You act like I don’t like have proof,” she wrote. “Smh [Shaking my head]. Carry on.” However, McHenry has since deleted the tweet, and she later erased her entire Twitter account.
Fox News said in a statement on June 12 that “this situation was independently investigated and we consider the matter resolved. We respect the confidentiality of all involved.”
McHenry’s show continues to air on Fox Nation as scheduled, and she regularly appears on Fox Business News as a contributor.
Finley under fire
THR’s report also scrutinized John Finley, the veteran Fox News executive selected to run Fox Nation, noting that while working as an executive producer on Fox News host Sean Hannity’s show in 2011, Finley was investigated and ultimately cleared of misconduct.
“This 2011 allegation of misconduct was immediately reported to the Human Resources department with a request for an investigation. Although no evidence was found to back up the claim, further steps were taken to ensure the comfort of the staffer, including the implementation of a new reporting structure,” a Fox News spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter following an inquiry.
However, network producers with firsthand knowledge of the dispute told THR that Fox News failed to protect the employee from future reprisals. The complainant told co-workers that she felt pressured to leave the network following the dispute.
Political activities
THR also turned a critical eye on the political activities of Fox Nation contributors. For instance, Diamond and Silk — two women regularly featured in pro-Trump videos on the network — have been called “beloved and appreciated volunteers and supporters” by a Trump campaign official.
Fox News addressed the questions with a statement in March, telling THR, “Diamond and Silk license short weekly videos to Fox Nation — they are not Fox News contributors or employees. When they appear on FNC and FBN, they do so as guests.”
The report also noted Fox Nation host Tomi Lahren’s June 18 Instagram post supporting the president’s 2020 re-election efforts. “Happy Reelection Kickoff Day @realdonaldtrump the silent majority is behind you and we are getting LOUDER! #TeamTomi #Trump2020 #MAGA,” she wrote.
Still, THR‘s report grudgingly noted that while Fox Nation has so far refused to publish its subscription numbers, fans were lined up to attend a promotional event in Scottsdale, Ariz., in May, perhaps an indication of the online network’s success. Fox executives said in April that the streaming service was performing better than predicted.
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