Unlike CNN and MSNBC, Fox did not broadcast a live broadcast of the affairs of the House with the final vote. Before the passage, the channel showed off part of the procedure for a few minutes, accompanied by an on-screen chyron reading: “HOUSE VOTES FOR BIDEN’S PIG BILL.”
The network also chose not to broadcast the press conference that speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer held after the passing of the legislation.
Fox’s first mention of the bill’s passage, which is widely regarded as a significant early achievement for Biden, came in passing.
Before continuing with a commercial break, host Sandra Smith said the network was “ getting word ” that it was over. Her co-host John Roberts commented, “$ 1.9 trillion is going out the back door.”
Fox did pay extra attention to the passing of the bill for the rest of the day, but it was clear that this was not a top priority for the station’s programming. Instead, the network largely prioritized other stories that were more digestible for its audience.
On the website, the story received more attention, but it was framed in a way that was desirable for the conservative readership.
“PARTISAN MONSTER IS OVER,” the headline said at the top, with a sub-headline like this: “House Democrats bother with a massive $ 1.9T COVID bill without any GOP votes, heading for Biden’s desk.
The coronavirus control bill will include sending $ 1,400 checks to Americans and extending unemployment benefits.
Biden is expected to embark on a media blitz in the coming weeks to sell the bill to the public. The first stop on that blitz is a prime time address for the American people on Thursday night.