Erik Wemple

Washington, D.C.

Media critic with a focus on the ups and downs and downs of the cable-news industry

Education: Hamilton College, BA in Government; Georgetown University, MS in Foreign Service

Erik Wemple has been doing journalism for and about Washington for more than two decades. He started out covering export controls, with an emphasis on the Commerce Department’s long-since-renamed Bureau of Export Administration. But then he took a liking to local affairs, which turned into a position as the Loose Lips columnist for Washington City Paper. Then came a stint covering Washington for a New York-based, media-obsessed product of the Internet bubble (Inside.com, now defunct). After eight years as editor of City Paper and another year as editor of TBD.com, he landed at The Washington P
Latest from Erik Wemple

Erik Wemple answers your questions on the media

Erik's Q&A with readers is at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, June 12. Submit your questions.

June 12, 2023

Donald Trump steamrolls CNN’s town hall

But what is the journalistic response to the former president?

May 10, 2023

Even Tucker Carlson knew Tucker Carlson was out of control

An admission in a text message that reportedly played a role in the former Fox News host's ouster speaks to his drift to the fringes of political discourse.

May 3, 2023

What’s next for Fox News? Erik Wemple answered questions on the media.

Erik's Q&A with readers was at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. Read the transcript.

May 1, 2023

Tucker Carlson, a terrible individual, leaves Fox News

It seems that Fox News was fine with Carlson’s vicious attacks — as long as they were directed elsewhere.

April 24, 2023

NBC News was right to retract story on alleged child laborer

NBC News attempted to protect the identity of an alleged child laborer featured in a recent story. Turns out the report was wrong.

April 20, 2023

There’s a big hole in the Dominion-Fox News settlement

Dominion Voting Systems negotiated a $787 million settlement. So, why does it feel unsatisfying?

April 18, 2023

Why settling the Dominion lawsuit is so imperative for Fox News

There are just too many reasons for the top-rated cable news network to lure Dominion to the table.

April 17, 2023

Here are five things to watch in the Fox-Dominion trial

The key storylines for a watershed defamation case aimed at the country's highest-rated cable news network.

April 15, 2023

Dominion lawsuit pretrial hearings foreshadow a brutal ride for Fox News

The defamation litigation has already pushed Fox News internal workings into the spotlight. Scrutiny would intensify during trial.

April 13, 2023