Jeanine Pirro, the Fox News star, and Tucker Carlson, known for his controversial statements, have been the subject of revelations in Brian Stelter’s new book, “Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for American Democracy.” The book, set to be released next Tuesday, sheds light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the popular cable news network.
One of the revelations concerns Pirro, who was named in a lawsuit filed by Dominion as a key promoter of election conspiracy theories on Fox News. Despite this, Pirro was rewarded with a permanent co-host position on Fox’s 5 p.m. panel show, “The Five.” However, according to Stelter’s book, this move was intended to be a demotion. FOX executives had grown tired of Pirro’s unwavering support for former President Trump and her refusal to accept any changes to her scripts. One executive producer even referred to her as a “reckless maniac.” Moving her to “The Five” was seen as a way to manage her more easily, but it was not the cushiest job for Pirro, who had to share the stage with other outspoken personalities.
Another revelation in Stelter’s book involves Tucker Carlson’s unauthorized visit to Budapest in 2021. During his trip, Carlson filmed a week of shows praising Hungary’s autocratic president, Viktor Orbán. According to an executive involved with the situation, Carlson’s visit was done entirely without Fox’s permission. Stelter writes that Carlson turned his show into an infomercial for Orbán’s increasingly autocratic nation. Carlson was set to return to Hungary for CPAC’s Budapest gathering in 2022, but was reined in by someone at Fox and only sent a pre-recorded video message. Orbán praised Carlson and said his programs should be broadcasted 24/7.
Stelter’s book provides an inside look at the tensions and power struggles within Fox News. It reveals how personalities like Pirro and Carlson, known for their controversial statements, have faced consequences for their actions. The book raises questions about the influence of Fox News and its role in shaping public opinion. As Stelter’s book hits the shelves, it offers readers a deeper understanding of the inner workings of one of the most-watched cable news networks in America.
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Original Story at www.thedailybeast.com – 2023-11-07 02:14:00
