Fox News to Pay $787M for Election Lies
Ask Students: What do you know about Fox News’ repeated lies about Election 2020? What serious repercussions occurred as a result of these lies?
The defamation trial against Fox News concluded before it even began. Dominion Voting Systems alleged the right-wing network knowingly broadcast lies that its voting machines were used to steal the 2020 presidential election. On Tuesday, Fox agreed to settle the case and pay Dominion $787 million. Geoff Bennett discussed the settlement with NPR’s David Folkenflik.
Here is a copy of the transcript which can make it easier to follow along with the video story.
Discussion Questions
- What do you know about Fox News’ repeated lies about Election 2020? What serious repercussions occurred as a result of these lies?
- When did the settlement between Fox News and Dominion occur?
- Where were Dominion voting machines located on Election Day 2020?
- Why did Fox News repeatedly spread lies about the 2020 presidential election? What did the lies consist of?
- How does NPR’s David Folkenflik say Fox News might act going forward when it comes to discussing election 2020?
Focus Questions
Do you think Dominion should have taken the case to trial? Why or why not? (If so, high-ups at Fox would have to testify and try to justify their news coverage.)
News analysis: Do you think Fox News should keep the word “News” in their title? Intentionally lying goes against journalistic ethics and is something we teach children at a young age not to do. Fox is the most watched news outlet in the country. How do these lies affect people who watch their programs?
Extension Activity
Discuss with a friend or family member why so many Americans watch Fox News. Your family may be one of them and you might know friends’ families who watch Fox. Do you think Fox News accepting some responsibility through the settlement will affect Fox News viewers? Why or why not?
Addressing Threats to Democracy
Using the January 6 insurrection as a teachable moment, we assembled educational resources to help students reflect on the events leading up to and on that day, as well as resources that explore ongoing threats to the integrity of a democratic government, including how to foster media literacy and civil discourse, understand voter suppression and how to identify misinformation.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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