Attacking the Fox News Channel is a favorite hobby horse of the progressive movement. So when Missouri Republican Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin made his controversial remark Sunday about so-called “legitimate rape,” it was only a matter of time before left-wingers sought to exploit the controversy to score points against Fox.

In a Monday post by Igor Volsky at the Center for American Progress’ “ThinkProgress” blog, Volsky claimed Fox News had instituted “a virtual blackout” of Akin’s foot-in-mouth moment.

“Fox News is following its well established pattern of underreporting stories that don’t appeal to its conservative base, instituting a virtual blackout of Rep. Todd Akin’s (R-MO) controversial — and widely condemned — comments about “legitimate rape,” Volsky wrote.

Volsky examined a narrow window of coverage of Monday, from 6 a.m. through 12 p.m. that day, and claimed the episode was only mentioned once — while CNN and MSNBC led the way, with MSNBC making more than 20 references in just a six-hour period.

Volsky’s post caught a lot of attention in the so-called Twittersphere after the organization promoted it with it’s Twitter account. But a closer review of the broadcast of Fox News shows at least four mentions of the controversy within Volsky’s time parameters:

Breakdown of FNC coverage on Todd Akin yesterday

9 a.m. Mentioned with Fox News contributor Karl Rove

Akin mentioned twice

Lower-third banner also had it 10 a.m. Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan in New Hampshire from 10:45 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. where it was mentioned 11 a.m. Same as 10 a.m.

The cable news channel’s coverage continued throughout the day, and was criticized by the likes of ThinkProgress’ sister organization, Media Matters for America. (RELATED: TheDC’s complete coverage of Media Matters)

12 p.m. Akin’s comments covered and played on video

Akin’s name mentioned five times overall, including read statements by Claire McCaskill and Mitt Romney 1 p.m. Covered as part of Obama’s press conference — president was asked about it

Akin mentioned once by name 2 p.m. In news coverage

Akin mentioned by name 3 times — full screen picture used 3 p.m. Covered/teased at the top of the show

Covered a few minutes later — video played. Carl Cameron brought in top report on reactions.

Akin mentioned by name seven times 5 p.m. Covered for 2 minutes and admonished Akin for comments, about 9 minutes into the show 6 p.m. Mention from John Roberts filling in for Bret Baier

Covered the Akin story 6 minutes into the show — just Roberts

Mentioned again with the panel — Roberts again — about 43 minutes into the show. Discussed for a few minutes. All calling for him to leave the Senate race. 7 p.m. Covered extensively 5 minutes into the show — James Rosen covering for Shepard Smith

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