Thanks, But I Can Look Out the Window

Thanks, But I Can Look Out the Window
by Grace Ritter

   During the recent polar vortex, I sat dumbfounded on my couch watching news reporters talk of record-breaking temperatures; if it is so dangerous to be outside, why are these reporters standing out in the frigid cold? How are we supposed to take these reporters seriously when they are not even wearing the proper winter attire? During every instance of severe weather, reporters try to visually prove to us the exterior conditions. While I am sitting on my couch, in safety, I am more concerned for these people standing in subzero temperatures than actually listening to what they are reporting. If this is how news channels want to boost their ratings, then count me out.

In a quickly expanding age of social media, fake news is on the rise. I agree that video and photographs can easily be doctored, however, I do not see the need to physically stand outside. I do not think reporters would stand in the middle of a fire, just to prove to us that it was happening. I propose that all reporters should film their segments in the safety of a building, and if they feel so inclined, provide video footage for us to see.

I do agree that watching reporters getting swept away in the high speed winds of a hurricane, or getting rain dumped on their heads by the bucket-full is hilarious. But in times of peril, especially ones when so many people can possibly be injured or killed, reporters need to set an example and get to safety. A young child could see news coverage of a hurricane, for example, and if they see a reporter outside they might think it is okay for him or her to be outside too. Obviously that is a worse case scenario, but it could happen.

Considering how much the average news reporter makes annually-about $40,000- they do not make enough to risk their lives. Maybe, if you said you would pay me a quarter of a million dollars, I would stand outside in high speed winds to tell millions of Americans to stay indoors. But until that happens, reporters should stop trying to make me worried sick while I sit on my couch wrapped in three blankets, knowing full well that the windchill is -45.