Just as Hunter Biden’s criminal trial commences, major networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC appear to be rallying in support of the infamous Dr. Tony Fauci, who recently testified in a House hearing concerning his ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. This sustained and almost contrived show of solidarity among these media giants certainly begs the question: where does opinion end and reporting begin?
ABC appears to sit front row as leading the Fiery Fauci Fanclub. Donning an unapologetic role of a protector, ABC’s World News Tonight, anchored by David Muir, skewed the heated exchanges of the hearing into a portrayal of Fauci as a victim, continually emphasizing on “death threats against his family.” Rather astoundingly, legitimate criticism over mishandling of the pandemic response is hastily swept under the rug and instead, reduced to scare tactics by “crockpots.”
ABC correspondent Elizabeth Schulze, while discussing the hearing, channeled visible efforts into eliciting sympathy for Fauci. Carefully constructed analogy showcasing Fauci as a pained patriot facing “hostile questioning” does little to bring forth the important thrust of the hearing – the effectiveness of pandemic response protocols like social distancing and mask mandates.
Unabated, the missionary of Fauci admiration reappears on Tuesday’s Good Morning America, focusing yet again on the “unfounded allegations” against Fauci rather than the hard questions concerning the origins of COVID-19. The tone mirrors Monday’s NBC Nightly News where Lester Holt reported on Fauci “hitting back” during a “combative day” of “Republican attacks over his handling of Covid”. Interestingly, both networks paint Fauci in the same light – a man under fire, defending the indefensible.
On NBC’s Today, co-host Craig Melvin and senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson echo similar sentiments, standing up for Fauci against criticism. Their unflinching faith in Fauci’s responses downplays the legitimate concerns raised by many Republicans about the manner in which the pandemic response was managed.
Meanwhile, CBS offered a short segment on Monday’s CBS Evening News and a brief report on Tuesday’s CBS Mornings. In both instances, the focus was on defending Fauci against the Republicans’ allegations.
Media networks often decide the narrative, but at the expense of the truth? These networks appear to be rallying around Fauci, rejecting valid criticisms and questions as “unfounded allegations” while glossing over the errors and frailties in pandemic management. Solidarity, it seems, has eclipsed fact-checking, casting a slanted light on the events surrounding these influential figures like Hunter Biden and Dr. Fauci. It’s high time media retrieves its role as the fourth pillar of democracy, serving facts over flavors, and truth over dramatic narratives.
