Fox vs. Zahn:

From this AP story (via cursor.org):

Paula Zahn considers an offer from CNN.

Roger Ailes fires her.

Ailes says about Zahn, "I could have put a dead raccoon on the air this year and got a better rating than last year."

Ailes sued Zahn's agents, claiming breach of contract.

CNN unveils the new studio for Paula Zahn's "American Morning" show.

A publicist for Fox News Channel calls a reporter to to point out how much better Fox's morning show, "Fox & Friends," was doing in the ratings.

Fox spokeswoman Tracey Spector said, "[The new studio] is nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic."

When the CNN studio opened, trucks carrying Fox signs circled the Manhattan block around it.

People distributing Fox merchandise and wearing Fox t-shirts passed by the studio window, according to CNN.

"Fox & Friends" morning show.

Anchors talked about Zahn on the air with a stuffed raccoon toy on the table in front of them.

Fox anchor Steve Doocy, cameras in tow, presented Zahn with a gift basket including the stuffed raccoon after the new studio opened.

In January, the disc jockey Mancow, a "Fox and Friends" contributor, called Zahn a "knucklehead." Because she's the enemy, he said, "I just want to punch her in the face."

Two months later, Mancow performed an on-air skit with an actor he said was portraying Zahn. He hit the actor in the face, knocked him down and shouted, "I'll kill you, Paula. We will kill you, Paula."

Mancow also made an off-color remark about Zahn that refers to the anchor's hobby as a cello player.

Other comments from Fox.

Fox News Channel spokesman Robert Zimmerman said "Paula Zahn's supposed attempt at reinventing herself as a journalist is like putting a fresh coat of paint on an outhouse."

A Fox News Channel spokeswoman, Irena Steffen, said that "we don't go out of our way to shoot at her."

CNN and Zahn have attacked Fox, she said, declining to provide examples. ... "Why don't you ask why she's making a mountain out of a molehill?" Steffen said. "Why don't you ask why she's turning this around and why she's making herself into a victim?"

posted by Quiddity at 10/08/2002 09:40:00 AM