Hoax

368 pages, 2020

Brian Stelter

economics & politics

987 books

history

999 books

Takeaways

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of Top of the Morning: My Brief, Frightening Time as a TV Star, an urgent, untold story of collusion between Fox News and Donald Trump. During the early months of 2020 when other world leaders were marshaling all available resources to combat the deadliest pandemic in modern history, Trump spent his time watching television.

While many of his Twitter followers were actively trying to end the COVID-19 crisis, Trump was using his executive time—often six hours a day—to watch Fox News. In March, Fox News personalities began mocking what they called a “coronavirus hoax” from the left—and millions of Americans believed them. In Hoax, Brian Stelter will reveal the twisted history between Fox News and President Trump; from Roger Ailes's years at NBC to his rise as an early supporter of Trump's candidacy; from Rupert Murdoch's first phone call with Barack Obama on election night to their last meeting in Mar-a-Lago; and how the channel may shape American democracy for generations to come.

The Power of Media

In Hoax, Brian Stelter explores the immense influence of Fox News on American politics. He shows how the network has shaped public opinion and policy, highlighting the need for critical thinking when consuming news.

The Relationship Between Trump and Fox News

Stelter digs into the symbiotic relationship between Donald Trump and Fox News. He reveals how the network's coverage often mirrored Trump's views, creating a feedback loop that reinforced and amplified his messages.

The Role of Journalism Ethics

The book takes a look at the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists working for Fox News. Stelter questions whether the network's focus on ratings and political alignment compromised its journalistic integrity.

The Impact of Misinformation

Stelter's research in Hoax highlights the dangers of misinformation. He shows how false narratives can spread rapidly, leading to confusion, division, and even violence.

The Need for Media Literacy

Hoax underscores the importance of media literacy in today's digital age. Stelter encourages readers to check their sources, question what they see and hear, and seek out diverse perspectives to get a more accurate picture of the world.

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Hoax is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the current media landscape. It's a deep dive into the toxic relationship between Fox News and Donald Trump.

Stephen King - Horror Fiction Author

Brian Stelter's Hoax is a masterful dissection of the dangerous world of disinformation and the network that propagates it.

Don Lemon - News Anchor, Journalist

Hoax is a compelling analysis of the symbiotic relationship between Trump and Fox News. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the state of modern media.