In a recent interview with DailyMail.com, Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner did not hold back in her critique of ABC's "The View," questioning their approach to hot topics and contrasting it with her own show's style.
According to the Daily Mail, Faulkner expressed her views while celebrating her program's recent triumph over "The View" in viewership ratings.
Harris Faulkner, the anchor of "The Faulkner Focus," likened the discourse style of "The View" to that of a disorderly political assembly, specifically comparing it to a contentious council meeting in Massachusetts about transgender activist issues. She highlighted significant differences in how both shows handle discussions, particularly pointing out her concerns about the depth and tone used by the hosts of "The View."
Faulkner's criticism didn't end there; she went on to describe "The View" as subscribing to a narrow, one-sided perspective and having a tendency towards overtly angered dialogue. She accused the hosts of relying on sensationalism over substance, stressing that this approach often leads to apologies for factual inaccuracies or legal issues aired in their discussions.
Faulkner shared details with DailyMail.com about an uncomfortable experience during her 2018 appearance on "The View", where host Sunny Hostin redirected a conversation towards race uncomfortably in the presence of Faulkner's biracial children, displayed on a digital backdrop. She appreciated Whoopi Goldberg, another co-host, for steering the conversation away from personal territories back to more professional waters.
This interaction seems to have left a deep impression on Faulkner, influencing her views on the show's handling of sensitive topics. Despite "The View's" assertions through an ABC network source that the program maintains its number one rank in households and total viewers, Faulkner remains critical of their editorial choices.
"On 'The View', there is this sort of, shout it, cuss it, do whatever you gotta do to get a little more attention around the hot topics," Faulkner explained during the interview. She believes that while passion is common in televised discussions, "The View" often crosses into unnecessary hostility.
Furthermore, Faulkner discussed the role of live broadcasting in heightening the integrity and responsiveness of news reporting. "The Faulkner Focus," unlike its competitor, opts entirely for live broadcasts, which Faulkner believes contributes to a more accurate and immediate presentation of news and opinions.
She shared a professional tip she once received, emphasizing that true breaking news should never need to be shouted. This philosophy appears to guide her editorial stance on "The Faulkner Focus," where she prioritizes calm, well-researched discussions over the more combustive style seen in "The View."
January’s viewership data showcased Faulkner's show pulling ahead of "The View," boasting 2,552,000 viewers in comparison to "The View’s" 2,508,000, marking a notable accomplishment in the fiercely competitive daytime television landscape.
Aside from her professional critique, Faulkner opened up about personal aspects such as her biracial marriage and raising her daughters amidst various societal challenges, including anti-Semitism and prejudice at school. These personal experiences have not only shaped her worldview but also her approach to reporting and discussing sensitive issues on air.
She emphasized the importance of presenting diverse political views and reflecting a wide range of opinions, which she sees as crucial for thorough and impactful journalism. This commitment to diversity in viewpoints stands in stark contrast to what she perceives as the narrow focus of "The View."
"I like a good competitor; it makes me better," Faulkner concluded, seeing the rivalry with "The View" as a motivating factor in refining her show and journalistic approach.
Despite Harris Faulkner's criticisms, ABC stands by "The View," acknowledging the program's confrontational style but highlighting its enduring popularity and viewer engagement. This conflict of perspectives underscores ongoing debates about the nature of televised debate and the evolving expectations of media consumers in a polarized political climate.
The clash between these distinct broadcast philosophies offers a window into the broader challenges facing media outlets today as they strive to attract viewers while staying true to their editorial values and ethical obligations.
