The LA Times’ Latest Faux Pas: A Comedy of Errors in Reporting

In the latest episode of “How to Miss the Point Entirely,” the Los Angeles Times has graced us with an article titled “What I Learned from Watching Fox News After the New Orleans Terrorist Attack.” Published on January 4, 2025, this piece could serve as a masterclass in misunderstanding journalism, or rather, in creating what some might call ‘fake news.’

The article in question, penned by someone who apparently needed a reminder of what Fox News is all about, starts with a melodramatic flair, suggesting that watching Fox News was a necessary plunge into the “fetid information ecosystem.” Oh, how brave! It’s as if the author was expecting to find enlightenment, only to be shocked by the existence of views different from their own.

First off, let’s address the elephant in the room – the New Orleans terrorist attack. The narrative is spun with such bias that one could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled upon a political manifesto rather than news analysis. The author bemoans the coverage by Fox News, accusing it of being “Frothing. Paranoid. Vengeful,” without so much as a nod to the fact that sensationalism isn’t exactly exclusive to one network. It’s like criticizing a fish for swimming.

But here’s where the comedy really kicks in. The LA Times piece tries to villainize Fox News for linking the attack to immigration and Islam, yet fails to mention that in our real-time, X-driven world, such connections are often made by the public, not just by one news outlet. This selective reporting would be impressive if it weren’t so transparently biased.

Moreover, the author’s shock at Fox News’s coverage style seems almost performative. Has anyone at the LA Times ever watched Fox News before? Or is this just an elaborate act of feigned surprise? The channel’s approach is no secret; it’s like complaining that water is wet.

The cherry on top of this satirical sundae is the claim that watching Fox News was “a sobering, necessary reminder.” A reminder of what, exactly? That different perspectives exist? That perhaps, just perhaps, not everyone shares your worldview? The irony here is that this article, under the guise of critiquing misinformation, might just be peddling its own version by cherry-picking facts and framing them to fit a narrative.

But let’s not forget the most laughable part – the suggestion that Fox News is somehow uniquely responsible for shaping public opinion in a way that “put Donald Trump in the White House.” This oversimplification ignores the complex web of factors, including the very real possibility that people might have their own reasons for supporting a candidate, beyond what they see on TV.

In conclusion, if the LA Times aimed to critique Fox News, they’ve instead provided a hilarious self-satire on how not to handle news commentary. This piece is a testament to the adage that one should be careful when throwing stones in a glass house. Or in this case, when you’re throwing around accusations of ‘fake news’ in an article that itself seems more like an opinion piece masquerading as journalism.

So, let’s give a slow clap for the LA Times for this unintentional comedy routine, reminding us all that in the world of media, irony is often the main course, served with a side of bias.