By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Internal surveys from Fox News employees, released as part of a defamation lawsuit, revealed concerns about the network’s editorial standards and the conduct of prominent hosts. Anonymous employees expressed worries that the network favored Donald Trump and the Republican Party, with some questioning their morals and the network’s integrity. These comments, drawn from a 2020 survey, reflect a desire for more factual reporting and less “hateful rhetoric,” particularly from opinion hosts. Despite these concerns, Fox maintains the responses are irrelevant to the lawsuit’s focus on the 2020 election coverage and that the company had been previously certified as a good place to work.
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The news that Fox News employees expressed concerns about the network’s intention to aid Trump comes as no real surprise, and legal filings have provided the most detailed look at these internal struggles.
Multiple Fox News employees, in the summer and fall of 2020, voiced worries about the network’s editorial direction and the conduct of prominent hosts. The internal survey, later revealed in a 771-page filing as part of the Smartmatic defamation lawsuit, captures the sentiments of those working within the network during a crucial period.
One employee didn’t mince words, suggesting Fox should overhaul its “misogynist, racist, right-wing content.” This individual pointedly described Fox News as a “propaganda machine for the Republican party,” a reality that caused embarrassment when explaining their employment to others. They highlighted that even conservatives recognize the bias present in both Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. Despite acknowledging a positive work environment, this employee stressed that the content’s negativity had contributed to societal division and anger.
Another employee admitted to a crisis of conscience. They described going home “fighting back tears” and questioned if they had “sold [their] soul to the devil.” This highlights the deeply personal impact the network’s direction had on its employees, forcing them to confront their own moral compasses.
Further expressing discontent, one employee called for the network to “get out of Trump’s pocket.” They criticized prominent hosts, specifically Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity, for “peddling BS and conspiracy theories.” The employee voiced a sense of responsibility, feeling like they were contributing to the nation’s rising hatred.
The theme of the network aligning with the administration and losing integrity continued, with an employee wishing for “purpose for what we do other than pushing the brand, ideology and political will of [the president].” This comment underscores the perception of a network heavily influenced by political interests.
Many of the criticisms were directed at the conservative opinion hosts, with one employee expressing a wish for management to “crack down on conspiracy theories and hateful rhetoric.” The sentiment echoed throughout the survey, with calls for more emphasis on actual news gathering and reporting to restore credibility.
The fact that these concerns exist is not a revelation. Fox News has long been viewed as a mouthpiece for the Republican Party.
The internal complaints, made during a period of intense scrutiny and national division, reveal the internal struggle and the ethical concerns of the employees. These employees, who worked within the network, have voiced concerns that show the pressure they felt to conform.
The comments in the legal filings highlight how deeply the network’s editorial choices affected those within its walls. Many employees felt that the network’s choices were not just biased, but also damaging to society and their own values. This sentiment underscores the toll taken by working within an organization that they felt was prioritizing political agenda over factual reporting and ethical conduct.
The employees’ concerns about the network intentionally aiding Trump provide insight into the complexities faced by those who worked at Fox News. It also reinforces the accusations that the network was operating as a propaganda machine. This revelation further fuels the ongoing debates about media integrity and the impact of biased news on the political landscape.