Senator Blames Cable News for Fueling Political Extremes

Roger Marshall says Fox News and CNN aim to make viewers angry, not inform

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:22am

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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has criticized national cable news networks like Fox News and CNN, claiming their goal is to make viewers angry rather than provide objective news coverage. Marshall believes these 'entertainment' shows, rather than real journalism, are contributing to political gridlock and a focus on party extremes in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

Marshall's comments highlight the ongoing debate around the role of cable news and its influence on the political landscape. As partisan divides deepen, there are concerns that sensationalized and emotionally-charged coverage may be exacerbating political polarization and undermining constructive dialogue.

The details

In a recent interview, Senator Marshall stated that cable news networks "are not news shows, they're entertainment, and their job is to make you mad." He believes these networks are designed to provoke strong emotional reactions in viewers rather than inform them objectively about current events and policy issues.

  • Senator Marshall made these comments on April 4, 2026.

The players

Roger Marshall

A U.S. Senator representing the state of Kansas.

Fox News

A major American cable news channel known for its conservative-leaning programming.

CNN

A prominent American cable news network that has been criticized for its perceived liberal bias.

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What they’re saying

“Of course they're not news show, they're entertainment, and their job is to make you mad”

— Roger Marshall, U.S. Senator

The takeaway

Senator Marshall's comments underscore the ongoing debate around the role and influence of partisan cable news networks in shaping political discourse. As concerns grow about the potential negative impacts of emotionally-charged and sensationalized coverage, there may be renewed calls for greater media accountability and a return to more objective, fact-based journalism.