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Russian state media has found an unexpected ally in former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, whose polarizing content provides ready-made material that aligns with Kremlin messaging strategies, according to research by ISD Senior OSINT Analyst Elise Thomas.
In a recent op-ed published in the Moscow Times, Thomas details how Russian propaganda outlets increasingly rely on Carlson’s broadcasts to bolster their narratives targeting Western audiences. Her analysis reveals a symbiotic relationship that amplifies divisive content across borders.
“Their tactics may change, but their strategy remains broadly the same: stoking existing divisions and turning up the dial on polarisation, rather than seeking to invent new issues with no basis in reality,” Thomas writes, describing the Russian media approach.
The relationship intensified following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Thomas points to a March 2022 episode of Carlson’s then-primetime Fox News show where he promoted unsubstantiated claims about alleged U.S. bioweapons development in Ukraine. This conspiracy theory originated from a combination of earlier Russian disinformation, COVID-19 origin theories, and QAnon narratives that gained traction in fringe online communities.
Thomas’s research uncovered leaked Kremlin memos that provided explicit instructions to state media outlets about leveraging Carlson’s content. One directive stated it was “essential to use as much as possible fragments of broadcasts of the popular Fox News host Tucker Carlson.” His commentary suggesting NATO and Western nations provoked the Ukraine conflict apparently resonated with Moscow’s messaging needs.
Russian news programs have developed a pattern of building entire segments around Carlson clips, following his topic selection and expanding on his narratives. Some Russian programs have essentially become vehicles for repackaging and amplifying his content.
“Russian state media understands full well that the U.S.’s own outrage industrial complex is far more effective at stoking division in the U.S. than they will ever be,” Thomas explains. “When it comes to Carlson specifically, they seem to recognise that their main role is to help spread his message to as large an audience as they can and leave the rest up to him. Because he will do it much better than they can.”
The media analyst emphasizes that while Carlson is not employed by or officially affiliated with Russian state media, his messaging frequently aligns with their objectives. Thomas and her colleagues at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue have extensively studied Russian influence operations, noting how they exploit existing societal tensions rather than creating entirely fictional narratives.
Since leaving Fox News in 2023, Carlson has maintained his position as a prominent voice opposing Western support for Ukraine while occasionally speaking favorably about Russia and President Vladimir Putin. This stance continues to provide valuable content for Russian propaganda efforts.
The analysis comes amid broader concerns about information warfare and foreign influence operations targeting democratic societies. Media experts have increasingly highlighted how domestic commentators and personalities can inadvertently or deliberately serve as amplifiers for foreign messaging campaigns.
Thomas’s op-ed suggests that this relationship represents an evolution in propaganda tactics, where state media operations identify and leverage sympathetic voices within target countries rather than relying solely on their own messaging channels.
The full analysis is available on the Moscow Times website, providing additional details about specific instances where Carlson’s content has been repurposed by Russian state media outlets.
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8 Comments
The article raises important questions about the role of influential media figures in the spread of disinformation. It’s crucial to understand how foreign actors may be exploiting such platforms to advance their agendas.
This is an interesting analysis of how Russian state media has latched onto Tucker Carlson’s polarizing content to amplify their narratives. It seems like a mutually beneficial relationship that plays on existing divisions in the West.
It’s concerning to see how disinformation and conspiracy theories can spread across borders and be used to sow discord. Fact-checking and media literacy are crucial to combat these tactics.
This is a concerning development, as it highlights the growing influence of Russian state media and their ability to leverage Western personalities to spread their narratives. Fact-checking and media literacy are crucial to combat these tactics.
I agree, this is a worrying trend that deserves close attention. The relationship between Carlson and Russian propaganda outlets seems to be mutually beneficial, which makes it all the more challenging to address.
It’s alarming to see how Russian state media is exploiting the reach and influence of a prominent US commentator like Tucker Carlson to amplify their propaganda. This underscores the need for vigilance against foreign disinformation campaigns.
The article highlights the symbiotic relationship between Russian propaganda outlets and Tucker Carlson, where Carlson’s content is used to bolster Kremlin messaging. This is a concerning trend that deserves further scrutiny.
I wonder what can be done to disrupt this feedback loop and reduce the impact of such divisive content. Stronger regulations or platform policies may be needed to address the problem.