Breaking the News

While the role of the news media should be to inform the public through unbiased reporting, viewers are often exposed to divisive agendas. As Americans, freely sharing our opinions is a constitutional right. However, when major media outlets are polarized, the narrative on the severity of something like the COVID-19 pandemic can produce a great deal of skepticism and anxiety, which could present serious challenges to the health of our country.

With decades of experience in covering current events like presidential campaigns, war, and terrorism, Fox News’ Eric Shawn breaks down his role in the media. “There’s no room for personal politics in news reporting. Journalists are supposed to use their platform to inform the people of the truth. Currently, the health of our people is at risk. It is our responsibility now more than ever to give people the facts,” he affirms. “The reality is, we need to explain the truth in an unbiased way through clarifying the analysis and the context. The media should not be used for political purposes.”

While there have been differing views on the precautions taken to handle the virus, Shawn says that the magnitude of this pandemic is perhaps the most outstanding topic he has ever reported on – throughout the entirety of his career. “The morning of 9/11, I was down there reporting on what had happened. I have been in war zones in the Middle East. But this virus is something that has struck people all over the world,” he adds. “It has shaken us as a society on a personal, medical, and economic level. I do think this will turn out to be the biggest story that I will ever cover.”

With plenty of unknowns circulating the media, Shawn has decided to instill hope and confidence in our community through his platform by informing viewers that Americans are supporting all the unsung heroes. “Because Fox News has a prominent national voice, I thought it would be great to support these brave men and women. We have been focusing on different charities that are supporting the nurses and doctors fighting coronavirus. Our first story was on an organization called the Afya Foundation, and after that segment, they received over $100,000 of donations to go towards PPE (personal protective equipment) for our healthcare workers. I am so honored that the Fox News viewers stepped up to help our heroes on the frontlines,” says Shawn. “On a positive note, we can take this time to pause and reflect on what is going on and be more prepared for the future.”

Writer: Samantha Orr

Photographer: Fox News

Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)