As leaks from Fox News continue to surface, conservative host Tucker Carlson’s previous concerns about the network’s future have been validated. Despite mainstream media’s attempts to discredit Carlson following his departure from Fox News by releasing leaked outtakes of his productions, the leaks only demonstrate his dedication to journalistic integrity and understanding and common sense of his audience.
One notable leak includes a series of election-related texts between Carlson and Fox News anchor Bret Baier, revealing Carlson’s worry about Fox News’ decision to call Arizona for Joe Biden during the tight 2020 election. He foresaw the network’s audience revolting due to their perceived betrayal of President Donald Trump.
imagine having to tell your parents that your job is narcing on the casual comments of other people while they, happily unaware, make a living. Your parents would be so embarrassed and ashamed they'd rather tell their friends you died in a fire. https://t.co/kpeBI1bnnu
— GregGutfeld (@greggutfeld) May 5, 2023
Carlson’s texts to Baier show a genuine concern for the network and its viewers, suggesting ways to reassure the audience and maintain trust. He even proposed interviewing the person in charge of the Decision Desk to provide transparency. The mainstream media, however, has tried to frame this exchange as a hit piece, but it has only reinforced Carlson’s credibility among his supporters.
Meanwhile, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has publicly defended Carlson against Media Matters’ Matthew Gertz, who continues to release off-air clips of Carlson’s casual interactions with his crew. Gutfeld criticized Gertz’s tactics on Twitter, suggesting that his parents would be ashamed of his profession.
In another twist, Fox News sent a cease-and-desist letter to Media Matters over the leaked videos.
Does Fox News *want* a Streisand Effect?!
Fox News sends a Cease and Desist to Media Matters over the ‘Foxleaks’ videoshttps://t.co/nmQ4q901P1
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) May 5, 2023
The clumsy attempt to manage the ratings disaster resulting from Tucker Carlson’s firing reveals that Fox News has inadvertently stoked controversy with the demand. The letter addresses the leaked videos that showcase Carlson making off-color remarks and engaging in banter with his crew. Instead of mitigating the issue, Fox News has drawn more attention to the videos, with many fans siding with Carlson.
The cease-and-desist letter is weak and vague, lacking the necessary details to make it a credible threat. Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host, has even suggested that the network might be the source of the leaks. The network’s handling of the situation seems to have unintentionally created a Streisand Effect – a phenomenon in which an attempt to suppress information only makes it more widely known.
Pro tip: you might want to look inside the org to stop the allegedly horrifying leaks before threatening those who are publishing them. https://t.co/ZF5G4GBuke
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) May 5, 2023
Media Matters, known for its left-leaning stance, has enjoyed the fallout. The organization maintains they have the right to publish these videos. While they may not advance any of their goals, they certainly have highlighted the mismanagement of Carlson’s firing by Fox News.
As Fox News fumbles to control the narrative around Carlson’s firing, their efforts are backfiring. Instead of distancing themselves from the controversial host, they have only managed to generate more support for him, with many fans rallying behind him and criticizing the network’s actions.
