Fox News' Fauci Problem

Fascinating research has emerged that has hinted that widespread misinformation about the coronavirus, especially from conservative leaning outlets, led to a weakened response to the pandemic and potentially more spread than would have occurred without. Since the start of the pandemic, Fox News has certainly had much to say in that regard. Whether it was downplaying the pandemic's severity, opposing mask usage and social distancing protocols, or generally advising that Americans need not worry about COVID-19, the studies that will emerge on the effects of these messages will certainly be interesting.

Special attention should be paid to the channel's coverage of Anthony Fauci. Ever since Fauci emerged as a sometimes oppositional voice to that of former President Donald Trump's, he became the target of ferocious conservative criticism. Even today, long after Fauci has been a visible enemy to Donald Trump, Fox News runs negative stories about him regularly. 

A quick search of the Fox News website turns up these headlines: 

- Jim Jordan calls out Fauci on 'Ingraham Angle': Tell us when we 'get our rights back'

- Ben Domenech rips Dr. Fauci's comments on gun violence: 'Completely out of his depth'

- Columnist suggests Fauci offering mixed messaging on vaccines to prolong his ‘moment in the spotlight’

Fox News continually runs stories about so-and-so "slamming" Dr. Fauci, as they clearly have decided that making the nation's top epidemiologist out to be a public enemy in the middle of a pandemic is some sort of top tier journalistic move. One wonders - In 50 years, when we have hopefully forgotten about COVID-19, will Fox News still run stories about Dr. Anthony Fauci?