Wall Call: Fox News Only Network To Carry Obama’s Berlin Speech
Pres. Barack Obama delivered his remarks on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall today in a video message during the ceremonies in Germany (there was a little controversy about him not appearing in person). In his place – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke first.
And which cable news network was the only one to carry both live? Fox News.
In fact, Fox News has carried the majority of the speeches and events at the ceremony today, which has seen tens of thousands turn out for the festivities. CNN has cut in a couple times, and MSNBC far less, although both networks have devoted segments to the anniversary. But just like the health care story and Fort Hood coverage this weekend, Fox News was the network to devote the most time to the news event.
Fox News has taken some shots about its role as a news network, from the White House and CNN, and through these breaking news events we have seen their coverage extend beyond that of their competitors. Of course, their detractors will point to prime time, where CNN is more newsy than Fox News and MSNBC, and to a very clear anti-Obama Administration stance from programs like Glenn Beck‘s and Sean Hannity‘s.
From a purely symbolic perspective, Fox News being the only network to carry an Obama speech – of any kind – is an attention-grabbing moment. But the Berlin Wall anniversary is less about Obama (and Clinton), and far more about Ronald Reagan. Of course, we knew the conventional wisdom about the way Fox News thinks of former Pres. Reagan.
Here’s what the other two networks looked like during Obama’s speech:
Here’s the domino fall symbolizing the fall of the Berlin Wall – it was carried live on Fox News and CNN:
> Update: Here’s the Clinton/Obama speeches:
