Sean Hannity, a host at a network that has been thoroughly derided as pro-Trump “state TV,” argued that CNN and MSNBC are the real “state-run TV” on his show Thursday.
The term “state TV” refers to television outlets that parrot their country’s government’s talking points, not unlike what Hannity does with the Trump administration. But Hannity alleged that CNN and MSNBC are the real “state-run TV” because they interviewed Lev Parnas, a longtime former associate of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani who was indicted last year.
“Yesterday, last-ditch effort, Hail Mary, smear job, yup the congenital liar attached new documents to the articles of impeachment,” Hannity complained. “Including so-called evidence from a former Giuliani contact.”
“Oh by the way on conspiracy TV, the guy is facing federal charges from the Southern District of New York. You don't really want to mess with those people,” he said. “Campaign finance violations, whole bunch of other stuff. So he goes right to state-run MSDNC conspiracy channel media. Keep in mind when people like him, trying to stay out of jail, think about this, how many times have we heard from the liberals ‘oh you can't waterboard, or use enhanced interrogation because people will say anything, they'll lie to make it end.’ Well people trying to stay out of jail, in my humble opinion, they'll say anything.”
Fox exemplifies state TV:
“Hannity is one of President Trump's most loyal and influential television boosters, along with Fox News host Jeannine Pirro and Fox Business host Lou Dobbs,” The Week noted. “They are all apparently in regular contact with Trump himself, and Trump makes it known publicly that he watches their shows and other programs on two Fox networks. Hannity has even appeared alongside Trump at his political rallies, and Trump reportedly takes political and policy cues from his Fox friends.”
The outlet pointed out that after Hannity’s rant, his next guest was former Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus, who previously ran the Republican National Committee.
Hannity echoed CNN boss’ criticism:
Hannity’s comments were very similar to those of CNN chief Jeff Zucker, who made the same remark about Fox News.
"[Fox News] is really state-run TV," Zucker said in 2018, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It is a pure propaganda machine and I think does incredible disservice to this country."
"There are a handful of good journalists there, but I think they are lost in what is a complete propaganda machine," he added.
