Fox News

Media Matters has named Fox News its Misinformer of the Year for 2020. The network takes the baton from Fox contributor and founder of JusttheNews.com founder John Solomon, who won in 2019. Fox employees and executives who have received the prize in the past include Lachlan Murdoch (2017), Sean Hannity (2008) and Bill O’Reilly (2004). The main reason that Fox News as a whole won the award this year was its coverage of the COVID pandemic. “The right-wing network has promoted coronavirus misinformation an estimated 13,551 times on its weekday programs over the course of the pandemic,” according to Media Matters. A timeline illustrating the network’s qualifications for the award can be seen here.

E&E

Politico has acquired E&E News, a news organization that covers energy and the environment. E&E News, which currently employs more than 65 reporters and editors in cities including Washington, New York City and Los Angeles, will continue to operate under its own name. E&E News principal founder and owner Michael Witt will remain with the company for the time being. Politico says that the acquisition will allow it to grow its footprint in the energy news space as the company focuses on bolstering its professional news business. Politico has survived the current economic relatively intact, with the company saying that it has added staff, now employing about 600 people in North America and close to 200 in Europe. Witt said that the combined company “will provide unparalleled and unique coverage of energy and environmental issues.”

Wondery

Amazon has signed an agreement to acquire podcast creator and producer Wondery. Reports in the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg put the deal in the $300 million range. Wondery will still operate independently under its own name. Amazon Music launched podcasts in September, and the acquisition sets the company up to compete with Spotify, which acquired podcast advertising and publishing platform Megaphopne in November. Amazon says that it intends for its purchase of Wondery to “accelerate the growth and evolution of podcasts by bringing creators, hosts, and immersive experiences to even more listeners across the globe.”