On October 8, 1996, the Fox News Channel officially launched in the United States, a pivotal moment in conservative media history.
Founded by media magnate Rupert Murdoch and spearheaded by Roger Ailes, a former political strategist for Republican presidents, the network aimed to provide a counterpoint to liberal bias in mainstream media. Fox News quickly gained traction by offering programming and commentary that resonated with right-leaning audiences, blending news reporting with opinion-driven shows.
Its debut marked a shift in the media landscape, introducing a 24/7 cable news outlet that became a powerful platform for conservative viewpoints, influencing political discourse and shaping the modern conservative movement in the decades that followed.