Fox Business Network Sues Treasury Department

Fox Business Network has filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department over "failure to provide information on the bailout funds or respond to FBN's expedited requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)."

In a press release, Fox Business said there were two requests — one filed on November 25 sought information on the use of the bailout funds for AIG and Bank of New York Mellon, while another filed on December 1 sought information on Citigroup.

Fox News Executive Vice President Kevin Magee said, "The Treasury has repeatedly ignored our requests for information on how the government is allocating money to these troubled institutions. In a critical time like this amidst mounting corruptions and an economic crisis, we as a news organization feel it's more important than ever to hold the government accountable."

Full release below:

FOX BUSINESS NETWORK SUES THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT FOR FAILURE TO RESPOND TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUESTS

FOX Business Network (FBN) has filed a lawsuit against the United States Treasury Department over failure to provide information on the bailout funds or respond to FBN's expedited requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The initial request, filed on November 25, sought actual data on the use of the bailout funds for American International Group and the Bank of New York Mellon, and an additional request, filed on December 1, sought similar data on the bailout funds for Citigroup, Inc. FBN is asking for the Treasury Department to identify, among other issues, the troubled assets purchased, any collateral extended, and any restrictions placed on these financial institutions for their participation in this program.

Kevin Magee, Executive Vice President, FOX News commented, "The Treasury has repeatedly ignored our requests for information on how the government is allocating money to these troubled institutions. In a critical time like this amidst mounting corruptions and an economic crisis, we as a news organization feel it's more important than ever to hold the government accountable."

Steven Mintz, Esq. of Mintz & Gold LLP, and legal counsel for the network added, "Despite the several requests for expedited information filed by FBN, it has become apparent that the Treasury will not cooperate without mounting legal pressure. Therefore, we have filed a complaint in the Federal Court in New York and ask the Court to make the Treasury provide the information sought by the journalists at FBN."

The FOIA complaint was filed by FOX News Network, LLC, as owner of FBN.

FOX Business Network (FBN) is a financial news channel delivering real-time information across all platforms that impact both Main Street and Wall Street. Headquartered in New York--the business capital of the world--FBN launched in October 2007 and is available in 45 million homes in major markets across the United States. Owned by News Corp, the network has bureaus in Chicago, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Washington, DC and London. On the web at www.foxbusiness.com.

Comments

[ceasespin]

We do think that FBN has some veracity challenges...

Support the revival of responsible journalism, sign the ceasespin petition

http://www.FixNewsNow.org/ceasespin_blog/ceasespin_blogger_files/d0887a41f76b34285649fb31711be7df-0.html

[rbin54]

Evidently the US govt. thinks FBN is a joke too!

[rasit]

FOR WHAT?? FOX WANTS A BAILOUT TOO??

[eden4barack08]

What? Fox wanting accountability from the Government? Do they know it's still the Bush Administration? Isn't that like suing themselves?

[LeeCalif]

Some more debt the bush administration will pass to Obama administration.

A lawsuit.

[rasit]

Just a frivilous lawsuit, Fox is lagging in ratings probably...

A rightwing channel suing a rightwing administration; interesting...

Wait till Keith Olbermann gets his hands on this one...

[rkimball]

they can sue till their blue in the face. bush answers to nobody.

[ceasespin]

correction - their / they're

[ceasespin]

Looks like Fox is playing "copy cat" - me too journalism following several days behind Bloombergs FOIA action against the government.

Fox can't have it both ways. They can't revel in a court case that permitted them and other news media to lie to the public in their news reporting and also expect us to rely on them to report truthfully. Either their liars or responsible, ethical journalists. They can't be both. See the case here: http://www.FixNewsNow.org/ceasespin_blog/ceasespin_blogger_files/d0887a41f76b34285649fb31711be7df-0.html

Support the revival of responsible journalism, sign the ceasespin petition:

[Episcopagan]

Fox Business Channel is still on the air?

[peachfuzz]

Oh well obviously this is a frivolous lawsuit...I mean we got that dismissal
when it wasn't our causes forever and forever.

[realpolitic]

Fox News suddenly wants accountability from the government? How very un-Foxlike of them!

[jsgaetano]

Well do remember, Obama is almost President.

When a Dem is in a position of power... Goopers are ALL about accountability.

[mapleaforever]

Isn't it just a little bit ironic that Fox is seeking the truth about something?

[KarlaElisa]

Unbelievable. Fox is going to actually blow some cash on a worthy cause.

[OrganOfThought]

Wow. For the first time ever Faux is doing something I agree with.

[deadelephant2]

Amen, never thought I would EVER say that!

[Emerald1943]

While I wouldn't watch FAUX news if it was the last channel on TV, I really wish them luck on this one! I have been wondering (loudly) where Paulson has spent all that $350 billion! He's not talking!

What ya' wanna bet Goldman-Sachs got a huge bundle???

[realpolitic]

I agree! If Fox was the only channel on television, I would throw out my TV!

[vippy]

Well, if he does not say how he spent 2 trillion dollars, why would he bother with this request.
I always said, they rushed to give AIG and Goldman money without ever holding them to the same
standards they held the car industry.