Recently, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California appeared on MSNBC to discuss his concerns about Fox News and its dissemination of misinformation and disinformation.
Host Katie Phang asked if there should be any sort of regulation or gatekeeping of Fox News, particularly after Tucker Carlson aired never-before-seen footage from the January 6th insurrection.
Swalwell initially stated that he didn’t want to dictate what troops could or couldn’t watch, but then suggested that a news station that is ruled by a court to be perpetuating false information should be scrutinized for how it is being broadcast to troops serving overseas.
He added that there may be recourse for Congress to ban troops from watching Fox News.
Swalwell also made comments about Fox News hosts Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham, stating that he hoped the idea of banning troops from watching Fox News would incentivize the network to clean up their evening hours and stop spreading misinformation.
Swalwell’s comments have sparked controversy and backlash from some who believe that banning troops from watching Fox News is an infringement on their freedom of choice and speech.
WATCH: Eric Swalwell suggests banning Fox News from troops overseas
— Clayton Keirns (@CKeirns) March 11, 2023
The real irony? He said this on MSNBC pic.twitter.com/iYfLbnqU8J
Others have pointed out that Fox News has a history of spreading false information and that it is important for the military to have access to accurate and reliable news sources.
While there may be valid concerns about the impact of Fox News on the spread of misinformation and disinformation, it is important to approach any potential regulation or oversight with caution and careful consideration of the potential consequences.
It is also important to ensure that troops serving overseas have access to reliable and accurate news sources that can inform their decision-making and understanding of the world around them.
In any case, the debate surrounding Fox News and its impact on the spread of misinformation and disinformation is likely to continue for some time, and it will be important for lawmakers and the public alike to consider the issue from all angles and perspectives.
