I just question whether we really dislike the Fox News ethos because of their approach, or just because we dislike their views.
I'd say it's the approach. Like I said recently, the fact that they're conservative in and of itself doesn't bother me. I may not agree with, like, I dunno, 95% of what they say/believe, but okay, they're promoting the conservative worldview, fine. I don't care. Always good and interesting to hear another side to the story. And there's been many conservatives whom I've listened to who come off as respectful, genuine, intelligent, and reasonable, and I like hearing what they have to say as a result whenever I see them on TV.
But Fox News promotes the conservative mindset in the absolute worst way possible. If I were a conservative watching Fox News, I'd be insulted and embarrassed that they think they're speaking for me. They employ the fringe fear tactics instead of actual legitimate arguments so often, they show the crazy nonsensical conservative view instead of the rational, mature one. Not always, I'll give them this. Every so often they do have somebody there who makes a genuinely good point and who actually dares to challenge something and has the logic and facts to back up what they're saying. But most of the time I've caught the channel, it's the former situation I see so much more often than the latter. And I just think that's sad. Conservatives deserve a better means of delivering their side of the debate.
And I don't care what political party line you tow, for god's sake, before you talk about a political issue on national TV, get your damn facts straight. If you act as though you know what you're talking about when it's obvious you really don't, I'm sorry, you deserve to be called out on it. Don't like it? Then apologize for your misunderstanding-slip-ups happen to everyone, it's okay to admit you made a mistake, unless you knowingly spread misinformation, in which case you're just a jerk-and brush up on the issue you're discussing before you open your mouth about it again.
And when you are called out for your ignorance, don't blame it on the other side and make it sound like it's some sort of "conspiracy" or whatever to attack you.
Again, I say this to both sides. It's something we all could do well to remember.
Angela