Brian Stelter is Wrong About Debunking a Left Wing Conspiracy
CNN’s Brian Stelter attempted to debunk what he called a “left wing conspiracy” that Fox News’ Shepherd Smith was forced out because of a secret meeting between Bill Barr and Rupert Murdoch, citing reporting that Smith was considering leaving for weeks.
Reality
First, what is Donald Trump’s Attorney (General) doing secretly meeting Rupert Murdoch, with the owner of his propaganda network, right after Trump complains on Twitter about Fox polling finding a majority of Americans approve of impeachment and removal?
Second, CNN’s Brian Stelter is dead wrong. While it may be true Shepherd Smith was ready to quit Fox News over their dangerous deeper turn to propaganda, there has been a concerted effort by Trump and his administration to push out critical voices at Fox.
Examples include:
Trump attacks Megyn Kelly, boycotts debate with Kelly as moderator, next interview with Kelly is *fawning*, and Kelly is out a few short months later.
(https://youtu.be/jtYg35zf5mw)
Trump attacks Howard Kurtz after he “crossed bright red line” for embracing Kim Jong Un, Kurtz goes right back to licking Trumps boots again.
(https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/kyle-drennen/2019/07/16/howard-kurtz-scolds-media-treating-trump-racist-label-fact)
Fox News holds a very popular town hall with Bernie Sanders in Bethlehem, PA, Trump complains Fox is worse than CNN. No more town halls.
(https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-fox-news-bernie-sanders-presidential-town-hall-20190403-q2rr4onlizekpdqch6hwcdb5je-story.html?outputType=amp)
Trump attacks Sandra Smith for straight interview with DNC’s Xochitl Hinojosa, next interview Sandra Smith is combative.
(https://www.mediaite.com/tv/fox-news-anchor-leaps-to-trumps-defense-over-sharpie-gate-claims-we-dont-have-any-evidence/)
After Ed Henry shows Mark Levin is a complete nut, Trump hate tweets Henry 20 times! Henry goes back to being a Trump booster.
(https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-boosts-attack-on-lying-sht-head-fox-news-reporter-ed-henry)
Shepherd Smith fact checks white supremacist Tucker Carlson, Trump and Carlson coordinate attacks on Smith, Shep Smith quits a few weeks later.
(https://www.businessinsider.com/shep-smith-left-fox-news-low-ratings-pro-trump-bias-2019-10)