Fox News reportedly warned hosts not to name the whistleblower


Fox News is lining up with some of its rivals on this one.
An executive at the network reportedly sent an email to staffers that was obtained by CNN warning hosts not to name the whistleblower whose complaint launched the congressional impeachment inquiry into President Trump's interactions with the Ukrainian government. The email explained the network's decision was based on the fact that Fox News had not "independently confirmed [the] name or identification of the anonymous whistleblower" and also advised production staffers not to "fulfill any video or graphic requests."
While some right-wing publications have run with a report that claims to know the person's identity, Fox has refrained from doing so up to this point, keeping the network in line with other mainstream media outlets.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
So far, the network's hosts have stuck to the plan and kept any potential names under wraps, though host Sean Hannity, a vocal Trump proponent, said Monday that he personally has multiple confirmations of the whistleblower's identity. Still, even he says he'll "play the game for a little bit" and stay quiet, even though he says he's not scared of any possible lawsuits. Read more at CNN. Tim O'Donnell
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
Colleges are canceling affinity graduations amid DEI attacks but students are pressing on
In the Spotlight The commencement at Harvard University was in the news, but other colleges are also taking action
-
When did computer passwords become a thing?
The Explainer People have been racking their brains for good codes for longer than you might think
-
What to know before 'buying the dip'
the explainer Purchasing a stock once it has fallen in value can pay off — or cost you big
-
What's Tucker Carlson's net worth?
The Explainer The far-right media figure has made millions since his embrace of Trumpism
-
Rupert Murdoch's behind-closed-doors succession court battle
The Explainer Media mogul's legal dispute with three of his children over control of his influential empire begins today
-
Rupert Murdoch is in a 'Succession'-style rift with his kids over his media empire
The Explainer Murdoch and his son Lachlan are attempting to maintain his empire's conservative swing following his eventual death
-
Laurence Fox suspended by GB News after 'unacceptable' Ava Evans comments
Speed Read Broadcaster issues apology after actor goes on a tirade during a live interview with Dan Wootton
-
Rupert Murdoch steps down: a legacy of power and scandal
Talking Point Lachlan Murdoch succeeds his father as head of media empire
-
Fox News apologizes to Gold Star family for false story Marine Corps called 'disgusting'
Speed Read
-
Is Geraldo Rivera too liberal for Fox News?
Talking Point The longtime Fox News vet has parted ways with the network after being removed from the political roundtable show "The Five"
-
CNN in crisis
Speed Read Hemorrhaging viewers post-Trump, CNN is trying to broaden its appeal. Can it get Republicans to tune in?