Fox stays positive on data centers even as public backlash grows

Despite growing public criticism of AI and the proliferation of data centers across the United States, Fox News has largely presented a more optimistic perspective. According to a recent Semafor analysis, over half of the references to data centers on Fox News during the past two years have depicted them in a positive light, compared to under 10% on CNN and 5% on MSNBC.

The data was extracted from closed captions preserved by the Internet Archive, which archives digital versions of TV news. The references were evaluated using AI models from Anthropic and OpenAI, which rated the content of each mention without including Fox News by name. Recent months have seen a surge in mentions of data centers on all three networks, as backlash against AI intensifies and data centers have gained prominence ahead of the midterm elections.

However, Fox's opinion and morning shows, such as Hannity and Ingraham, have emphasized the potential benefits of AI, economic investments, and the global competition with China, resulting in a more favorable portrayal of data centers. On the other hand, Fox's news shows have been more reserved, with one August monologue featuring a headline "The case for data centers" in which host Brian Kilmeade recognized valid concerns but argued that opposing nationwide data center development would also mean rejecting potential tax revenue for communities.

Conversely, CNN and MSNBC have framed the controversy around data centers as political, emphasizing environmental impacts, water consumption, and job creation issues. A Pew Research Center poll conducted last month revealed that over half of Americans view data centers primarily negatively, with environmental concerns cited as the primary reason.

Fox News did not respond to requests for comment. This favorable coverage on Fox News aligns with the right's strategy to shape its stance on AI and data centers as the post-Trump era unfolds. The network's approach mirrors former President Trump's views on data centers and the necessity of AI companies to boost the US economy. Trump tweeted in August that communities should not oppose data centers "if they want to end up being backwards and poor."

However, the growing frustration over data centers and the rapid advancement of AI has created a rift within the MAGA coalition. Republican figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Josh Hawley have raised concerns about certain data centers in their states, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has shifted from initially supporting data centers to seeking ways to limit their expansion due to a challenging reelection bid.

Some conservative observers worry that Fox News and other pro-data center voices may be inadvertently steering President Trump towards positions that conflict with his base of rural and suburban supporters. Steve Bannon, a vocal critic of AI, told the Daily Signal in September that "Big Tech oligarchs" were recklessly pushing data centers into communities, particularly in exurban and rural areas, where Trump's strongest support lies.