Sid Rosenberg is questioning Fox News’ handling of his weekend appearance. The radio host says the network directed Griff Jenkins to publicly distance itself from his remarks.
What We Know: Sid Rosenberg appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend Saturday and referred to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “terrorist” and “jihadist,” among other descriptions. After Rosenberg’s comments, Griff Jenkins told viewers that calling someone a terrorist “carries an extremely serious meaning.” He added that the term “should not be used freely.” Then, during Monday‘s Sid & Friends in the Morning on 77 WABC, Rosenberg alleged Fox News instructed Jenkins to deliver those remarks. Rosenberg also claimed he later spoke privately with Jenkins, who allegedly said he did not want to deliver the message that Fox News did not condone Rosenberg’s comments. Fox News hasn’t publicly addressed Rosenberg’s allegations.
What They Said: “I believe that somebody went in Griff’s ear and said, ‘Refute, refute, refute!’ So then he jumped in, and I didn’t really give him the opportunity to because once he started, I went at him right away … I also know that it was Fox News who made Griff Jenkins apologize, not once, but twice. You know Griff didn’t want to do that, even if he disagreed. He didn’t want to do that. But they made him do it.” – Sid Rosenberg
What Remains Unclear: Griff Jenkins hasn’t publicly commented on Rosenberg’s account of their private conversation.
What It Means: The exchange highlights the challenges news organizations face when guests make inflammatory statements on live television. Moreover, the episode underscores how networks often balance opinion-driven programming with editorial standards, especially when language carries significant legal and reputational implications.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.