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[[Image:SHannity.jpg|right|190px]]

[[Image:SHannity.jpg|right|190px]]

'''Sean Hannity''' (born December 30, 1961) is a talk show host and [[television]] host of [[Fox News]]'s show [[Hannity (tv show)|Hannity]], as well as host of the former [[Hannity's America]]. He generally takes strong [[conservative]] stances, with a notable exception being the controversy regarding [[Todd Akin]] (see below). Liberals strongly oppose Hannity<ref>Ernst, Douglas (May 24, 2017). [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/sean-hannity-warns-fans-of-organized-left-wing-eff/ Sean Hannity warns fans of organized, left-wing effort to ‘silence’ him]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> because he contradicts their favored narratives.<ref name="MonopolizeMedia"/>

'''Sean Hannity''' (born December 30, 1961) is a talk show host and [[television]] host of [[Fox News]]'s show [[Hannity (tv show)|Hannity]], as well as host of the former [[Hannity's America]]. He generally takes strong [[conservative]] stances, with a notable exception being the controversy regarding [[Todd Akin]] (see below). Liberals strongly oppose Hannity<ref>Ernst, Douglas (May 24, 2017). [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/may/24/sean-hannity-warns-fans-of-organized-left-wing-eff/ Sean Hannity warns fans of organized, left-wing effort to ‘silence’ him]. ''The Washington Times''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> because he contradicts their favored narratives.<ref name="MonopolizeMedia"/>

== Media bullying of Todd Akin and Roy Moore ==

== Media bullying of Todd Akin and Roy Moore ==

Hannity claimed that Akin should consider withdrawing from the Senate race: "I think there is one political reality that I think has to be faced by you and your campaign ... Democrats now have a ton of ammunition and they are now going to try to use these remarks to hurt everybody they can. And if I was put in that position, I would at least be thinking about what is in the best interest of the party."<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/08/20/hannity_urges_akin_to_consider_dropping_out_in_interview_with_him.html]</ref>  

Hannity claimed that Akin should consider withdrawing from the Senate race: "I think there is one political reality that I think has to be faced by you and your campaign ... Democrats now have a ton of ammunition and they are now going to try to use these remarks to hurt everybody they can. And if I was put in that position, I would at least be thinking about what is in the best interest of the party."<ref>[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/08/20/hannity_urges_akin_to_consider_dropping_out_in_interview_with_him.html]</ref>  

True conservatives stood with principle and defended Akin's remarks, and his right to remain in the race.<ref>http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=004DDFAC-6907-452E-93F5-62D3793BBABE</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/21/tony-perkins-gop-treatment-of-akin-suspect/</ref><ref>http://www.rollcall.com/news/missouri_delegates_still_support_todd_akin_despite_controversy-217050-1.html</ref><ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57497428-503544/rep-steve-king-backs-up-todd-akin-weighs-in-on-rape-and-abortion/</ref><ref>[http://mycn2.com/politics/rand-paul-reticent-to-weigh-in-on-akin-s-future-but-says-akin-s-comment-was-incorrect Rand Paul reticent to weigh in on Akin's future but says Akin's comment was incorrect] by Ryan Alessi, mycn2.com, August 22, 2012, retrieved August 24, 2012</ref><ref>http://akin.org/huckabee-chip-in</ref><ref>http://hinterlandgazette.com/2012/08/social-conservatives-including-frc-head-tony-perkins-defending-rep-todd-akins-legitimate-rape-comment.html</ref><ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80049.html</ref><ref>http://buchanan.org/blog/a-grand-old-party-in-panic-2-5223</ref>

True conservatives stood with principle and defended Akin's remarks, and his right to remain in the race.<ref>http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=004DDFAC-6907-452E-93F5-62D3793BBABE</ref><ref>https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/21/tony-perkins-gop-treatment-of-akin-suspect/</ref><ref>http://www.rollcall.com/news/missouri_delegates_still_support_todd_akin_despite_controversy-217050-1.html</ref><ref>https://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57497428-503544/rep-steve-king-backs-up-todd-akin-weighs-in-on-rape-and-abortion/</ref><ref>[http://mycn2.com/politics/rand-paul-reticent-to-weigh-in-on-akin-s-future-but-says-akin-s-comment-was-incorrect Rand Paul reticent to weigh in on Akin's future but says Akin's comment was incorrect] by Ryan Alessi, mycn2.com, August 22, 2012, retrieved August 24, 2012</ref><ref>http://akin.org/huckabee-chip-in</ref><ref>http://hinterlandgazette.com/2012/08/social-conservatives-including-frc-head-tony-perkins-defending-rep-todd-akins-legitimate-rape-comment.html</ref><ref>https://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80049.html</ref><ref>http://buchanan.org/blog/a-grand-old-party-in-panic-2-5223</ref>

Hannity showed himself to be a [[RINO Backers|RINO backer]] through his actions.

Hannity showed himself to be a [[RINO Backers|RINO backer]] through his actions.

He accepted the offer and became co-host with liberal [[Alan Colmes]] of ''Hannity and Colmes'', a prime-time one-hour debate-driven talk show focusing on the controversial issues and newsmakers of the day.<ref name="foxnews.com"/> January 9, 2009, was the final show of Hannity & Colmes, replaced the following week with Hannity's solo, self-titled show [[Hannity (tv show)|Hannity]]. ''Hannity and Colmes'' ranked among the leading cable TV news shows (just behind CNN's ''Larry King Live'' and FOX's ''O'Reilly Factor''). Hannity also has a weekend show on Fox News, [[Hannity's America]].

He accepted the offer and became co-host with liberal [[Alan Colmes]] of ''Hannity and Colmes'', a prime-time one-hour debate-driven talk show focusing on the controversial issues and newsmakers of the day.<ref name="foxnews.com"/> January 9, 2009, was the final show of Hannity & Colmes, replaced the following week with Hannity's solo, self-titled show [[Hannity (tv show)|Hannity]]. ''Hannity and Colmes'' ranked among the leading cable TV news shows (just behind CNN's ''Larry King Live'' and FOX's ''O'Reilly Factor''). Hannity also has a weekend show on Fox News, [[Hannity's America]].

In September 2017, Hannity's show was moved to the 9 pm EDT time slot, putting him in direct competition with left-wing MSNBC host [[Rachel Maddow]]. In his first week in competition with her, Hannity received much higher ratings than her, despite her rise in ratings prior to that in 2017.<ref>Schwartz, Jason (September 29, 2017). [http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/29/sean-hannity-rachel-maddow-ratings-243307 Hannity beats Maddow in first week of 9 p.m. showdown]. ''Politico''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Enloe, Chris (September 30, 2017). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/09/30/sean-hannity-is-now-in-head-to-head-competition-with-rachel-maddow-and-the-ratings-just-came-in/ Sean Hannity is now in head-to-head competition with Rachel Maddow — and the ratings just came in]. ''The Blaze''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Beck, Conor (September 29, 2017). [http://freebeacon.com/culture/hannity-beats-maddow-first-week/ Hannity Beats Maddow in First Week at 9 P.M. Hour]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref> Not only has Hannity consistently ranked #1 on cable television, but some days, such as during his coverage of President Trump's summit with [[North Korea]]n dictator [[Kim Jong-un]], he has ranked #1 out of every television show whatsoever.<ref>Miles, Frank (June 12, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/06/12/hannity-is-most-watched-show-on-all-television-monday-even-beating-bachelorette.html 'Hannity' is most-watched show on all of television Monday, even beating 'The Bachelorette']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 13, 2018.</ref>

In September 2017, Hannity's show was moved to the 9 pm EDT time slot, putting him in direct competition with left-wing MSNBC host [[Rachel Maddow]]. In his first week in competition with her, Hannity received much higher ratings than her, despite her rise in ratings prior to that in 2017.<ref>Schwartz, Jason (September 29, 2017). [https://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/29/sean-hannity-rachel-maddow-ratings-243307 Hannity beats Maddow in first week of 9 p.m. showdown]. ''Politico''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Enloe, Chris (September 30, 2017). [http://www.theblaze.com/news/2017/09/30/sean-hannity-is-now-in-head-to-head-competition-with-rachel-maddow-and-the-ratings-just-came-in/ Sean Hannity is now in head-to-head competition with Rachel Maddow — and the ratings just came in]. ''The Blaze''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref><ref>Beck, Conor (September 29, 2017). [https://freebeacon.com/culture/hannity-beats-maddow-first-week/ Hannity Beats Maddow in First Week at 9 P.M. Hour]. ''The Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved September 30, 2017.</ref> Not only has Hannity consistently ranked #1 on cable television, but some days, such as during his coverage of President Trump's summit with [[North Korea]]n dictator [[Kim Jong-un]], he has ranked #1 out of every television show whatsoever.<ref>Miles, Frank (June 12, 2018). [http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/06/12/hannity-is-most-watched-show-on-all-television-monday-even-beating-bachelorette.html 'Hannity' is most-watched show on all of television Monday, even beating 'The Bachelorette']. ''Fox News''. Retrieved June 13, 2018.</ref>

==Controversy==

==Controversy==

Hannity has also received criticism for his involvement with the Freedom Alliance charity and the associated Freedom Concerts that he has hosted for the [[charity]] since 2003. The concerts are held to raise money to give to severely injured [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. soldiers]] or as scholarships for the children of slain or injured soldiers. Through 2008, less than 20% of revenues raised by the Freedom Alliance have actually gone to these causes (and as low as 3.7% in 2006), according to IRS Form 990 tax data.<ref>Economic Research Institute. Nonprofit Organization Information - Freedom Alliance. http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NPO.Form990&EIN=541411430&Year=2009</ref> This was widely reported by [[Debbie Schlussel]], a conservative commentator and [[blog]]ger, and Schlussel has also made corroborated accusations that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent by the Freedom Alliance for each concert to accommodate Hannity and his friends and family.<ref>Schlussel, Debbie. "Sean Hannity’s Freedom CONcert Scam: Almost None of Charity’s $ Went to Injured Troops, Kids of Fallen Troops; G5s for Vannity?" March 18, 2010. http://www.debbieschlussel.com/6938/sean-hannitys-freedom-concert-scam-only-7-of-charitys-money-went-to-injured-troops-kids-of-fallen-troops-g5s-g6s-for-vannity/</ref> Hannity has been accused of taking advantage of the charitable nature of conservative, patriotic Americans.

Hannity has also received criticism for his involvement with the Freedom Alliance charity and the associated Freedom Concerts that he has hosted for the [[charity]] since 2003. The concerts are held to raise money to give to severely injured [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. soldiers]] or as scholarships for the children of slain or injured soldiers. Through 2008, less than 20% of revenues raised by the Freedom Alliance have actually gone to these causes (and as low as 3.7% in 2006), according to IRS Form 990 tax data.<ref>Economic Research Institute. Nonprofit Organization Information - Freedom Alliance. http://www.eri-nonprofit-salaries.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NPO.Form990&EIN=541411430&Year=2009</ref> This was widely reported by [[Debbie Schlussel]], a conservative commentator and [[blog]]ger, and Schlussel has also made corroborated accusations that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent by the Freedom Alliance for each concert to accommodate Hannity and his friends and family.<ref>Schlussel, Debbie. "Sean Hannity’s Freedom CONcert Scam: Almost None of Charity’s $ Went to Injured Troops, Kids of Fallen Troops; G5s for Vannity?" March 18, 2010. http://www.debbieschlussel.com/6938/sean-hannitys-freedom-concert-scam-only-7-of-charitys-money-went-to-injured-troops-kids-of-fallen-troops-g5s-g6s-for-vannity/</ref> Hannity has been accused of taking advantage of the charitable nature of conservative, patriotic Americans.

In May 2017, Fox News published and then retracted a story about the [[murder of Seth Rich]]. Hannity did not retract anything he stated, noting the fact that liberals and Democrats themselves widely accepted and circulated [[Conspiracy theory|conspiracy theories]], most notably those regarding alleged Russian interference in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 presidential election]].<ref>Concha, Joe (May 23, 2017). [http://thehill.com/homenews/media/334825-hannity-on-seth-rich-coverage-i-retracted-nothing Hannity on Seth Rich coverage: ‘I retracted nothing’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 23, 2017.</ref> Because of Hannity's decision, liberal advertisers chose to pressure and bully him by pulling out their ads from his show.<ref>Kew, Ben (May 24, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/05/24/advertisers-bow-to-activist-left-begin-pulling-ads-from-hannity/ Advertisers Bow to Activist Left, Begin Pulling Ads from Hannity]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Many of these attacks were attempts on the part of left-wingers to destroy a non-left-wing voice in the media.<ref name="MonopolizeMedia">Kew, Ben (May 25, 2017). [http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/05/25/brent-bozell-attack-on-hannity-part-of-liberal-strategy-to-monopolize-the-media/ Brent Bozell: Attack on Hannity Part of ‘Liberal Strategy to Monopolize the Media’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref>

In May 2017, Fox News published and then retracted a story about the [[murder of Seth Rich]]. Hannity did not retract anything he stated, noting the fact that liberals and Democrats themselves widely accepted and circulated [[Conspiracy theory|conspiracy theories]], most notably those regarding alleged Russian interference in the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 presidential election]].<ref>Concha, Joe (May 23, 2017). [https://thehill.com/homenews/media/334825-hannity-on-seth-rich-coverage-i-retracted-nothing Hannity on Seth Rich coverage: ‘I retracted nothing’]. ''The Hill''. Retrieved May 23, 2017.</ref> Because of Hannity's decision, liberal advertisers chose to pressure and bully him by pulling out their ads from his show.<ref>Kew, Ben (May 24, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/05/24/advertisers-bow-to-activist-left-begin-pulling-ads-from-hannity/ Advertisers Bow to Activist Left, Begin Pulling Ads from Hannity]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 24, 2017.</ref> Many of these attacks were attempts on the part of left-wingers to destroy a non-left-wing voice in the media.<ref name="MonopolizeMedia">Kew, Ben (May 25, 2017). [https://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2017/05/25/brent-bozell-attack-on-hannity-part-of-liberal-strategy-to-monopolize-the-media/ Brent Bozell: Attack on Hannity Part of ‘Liberal Strategy to Monopolize the Media’]. ''Breitbart News''. Retrieved May 26, 2017.</ref>

==Books==

==Books==