MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Of all the questionable decisions that Tennessee legislators made as they wrapped up the 2020 session last week, the one slamming the news media has to rank as the strangest. That lawmakers would actually waste time and energy on something so petty – speaks volumes about the makeup and character of this general assembly.
The decision I’m referring to is a House vote on a resolution condemning the so-called mainstream media for sensationalizing the coronavirus pandemic. You heard right. Amid important votes on the state budget – and likely unconstitutional votes on an anti-abortion bill – the House found the time to criticize coverage of something that has killed some 120,000 people nationwide – including more than 500 in Tennessee just in the last three months.
Despite those numbers, the resolution claims unspecified media outlets have sensationalized the reporting of COVID-19 in the service of political agendas. What’s more, it accuses the media of shaming businesses for reopening – and individuals for returning to beaches. But is quiet about mass protests against police brutality and racism. The resolution passed the House by a 55 to 19 vote. Which means some 25 House members had the good sense to take a pass – rather than embarrass themselves.
I’ll be the first to say that the media are not perfect. But a claim of sensationalizing a global pandemic is ridiculous. It shows just how extreme our legislature – really is. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.
