Shep Smith shames Fox: Ebola panic is ‘not worth ratings … and we all need to stop it’

[ashling]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/10/shep-smith-shames-fox-ebola-panic-is-not-worth-ratings-and-we-all-need-to-stop-it/

Fox News host Shepard Smith scolded his network and other news colleagues on Wednesday, calling on them to stop inflaming fears of a “widespread panic” concerning potential Ebola cases in the U.S.

“We don’t have an outbreak,” Smith said. “We have two sick people from one dying man. And the rest of this should stop, because it’s not productive. And it’s not worth ratings, and it’s not worth politics, and we all need to stop it.”

Smith’s criticism appeared to be sparked by a report from correspondent Doug McKelway concerning Amber Vinson, the Texas health worker who was diagnosed with the virus after allegedly traveling with a fever of 99.5 degrees

“The National Institute of Health says that that constitutes a fever,” McKelway said, before making a tremendous gaffe. ir “Although it is below the threshold for Obama — for Ebola fever of 100.4 degrees. That shouldn’t raise any more doubts in theminds, Shep, but it is, as you’re seeing from widespread panic across the country.”

“Oh my God,” Smith replied. “Doug, I appreciate it. But I think we both know there’s no widespread panic across the country. But I think we know that, and I think we know that if there is ‘widespread panic,’ it’s not based in fact, and it’s not based in reason.”

Smith’s commentary stands in sharp contrast to remarks by several of his colleagues and comes on the heels of a disagreement between two other hosts. Earlier this week, O’Reilly Factor host Bill O’Reilly called for Centers for Disease Control host Tom Frieden to resign, an assessment Greta Van Susteren slammed as being “dead wrong.”

[Kalidurga]

1. I hope he is looking for another job...

the kindest thing Fox could do is fire him. It would be unfair since he seems to be doing that reporting thing without his hair on fire.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Shep better check with his agent.

So much for your new contract.

[pa28]

3. Shep Smith's co-workers must really hate him.

He embarrasses them on a regular basis by pointing out facts and keeping their overblown story lines in perspective.

Maybe his job is to be the staff foil.

[PatrynXX]

14. well yes as he gets death threats

those death threats basically encourage him to stand up. death threats do only one thing. Prove that site is in the wrong. as it would for anyone issuing death threats. Greta. never can figure her out.

[upaloopa]

4. Shep Smith knows something many DUers will

not admit.
We don't have an outbreak of Ebola

[JonLP24]

5. He is the only one on Fox I like

I still remember they "we don't torture" comment.

[AndreaCG]

27. Our friend Steve Leser appears on Fox

As a liberal voice. I have yet to catch him though I'm sure he does a fine job refuting the BS. I don't think I could keep my temper or sarcasm in check!

[louis-t]

6. My uncle just sent me a clip from fox about

flashlight apps being full of malware that sends all your info to China, Russia, and some other place. Turns out, the guy they were interviewing just wanted you to buy HIS flashlight app.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

7. Let's get back to Benghazi!

[aikoaiko]

8. I knew Shep was ok when he broke down over Katrina.

He hasn't lost his humanity to the Fox overlord.

[madokie]

10. What you said

is said for me too

[WillyT]

9. HUGE K & R !!!

[DEMTough]

11. Thank you.

Shep's a chill bro.

[iloveObama12]

12. Cue Up Vince McMahon

Shep Smith You're Fired!



if so way to go out shepard smith

[Dopers_Greed]

13. I wonder how he able to keep his job

He must have some HUGE piece of dirt on Ailes.

[YOHABLO]

15. I think he was referring to all news organizations inclusive with FOX. They are all guilty. RATINGS!

[Marrah_G]

16. I agree- the media is purposely scaring the shit out of people for ratings

[chrisa]

17. But aren't tens of thousands of people (possibly) going to die!?

I heard it on CNN, so it must be true!

What bullshit cable news is. It's practically those stupid "Clinton's Alien Baby!" magazines, but they pretend to be real sources of news. People watch this and believe it.

[sagat]

18. Longer version:

[Heather MC]

22. WOW

Amazing

[davidpdx]

24. Thank you thank you for posting this!

[Beartracks]

19. The media whips out their cool "title" graphics with the "serious voice" for stuff like this.

This is the kind of thing Jon Stewart sends up so well: the flying, cool "title sequence" for the "serious" and "dangerous" issues, underscored with boom-clang music and sound effects.

========================

[Algernon Moncrieff]

20. It is the most cogent thing I've ever seen on FOX

I never thought I'd thank FOX News, but I will. Thank you - I appreciate it. Shep Smith's message of calm, reasoned response is spot-on.

[drynberg]

21. OH, while we're "just stopping" stuff, how about it Shep, just stop this Global Climate Change while

you're at it...what a fool...

[joshcryer]

23. Over 1 in 100 million odds of contracting it.

Shep is right.

[davidpdx]

25. I am waiting for the conservatives to say that Smith has Ebola and that's why he's lying

The Ebola Conspiracy!

[Calista241]

26. They already took away his prime time show to make room for Megyn Kelly.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was on his way out. And it's not like this is specifically addressed to Fox. All 3 of the news networks have gone overboard on their Ebola coverage. Fucking CNN had a helicopter following an ambulance transporting a patient from the airport to the hospital.