UPDATED with network’s statement: NewsNation responded to Deadline’s inquiry about the criticism of a running “Oxygen Counter” the network displayed onscreen yesterday while covering the unfolding tragedy of the sub that went missing near the Titanic wreck.
According to a NewsNation spokesperson:
The oxygen levels on the Titan submersible have always been an essential and important part of this story. Multiple media outlets have published or aired stories tracking the remaining oxygen on the Titan as the search continued. In fact, it would be irresponsible not to include this information in the story of the rescue effort.
PREVIOUSLY: Some watching NewsNation’s coverage yesterday of the OceanGate submarine that went missing while seeking to explore the wreck of the Titanic were surprised by a certain aspect of the broadcast.
No, it wasn’t Ashley Banfield’s investigation into whether a giant squid “attacked” the submersible. Rather, it was the “Oxygen Remaining” countdown clock in the lower righthand portion of the screen that literally ticked off the hours and minutes that may be remaining before five people run out of air.
There are many questions surrounding what could have happened to a missing submersible. Wildlife biologist @ForrestGalante believes there's a slim possibility an animal interfered with the vessel. He joins @TVAshleigh.
More: https://t.co/qfZLQBWm3k #Banfield pic.twitter.com/xw4cJX0VyN — NewsNation (@NewsNation) June 22, 2023
Of course, countdown clocks are a staple of cable news coverage. They’re often used to tease coverage a coming event, such as a presidential speech or the closing of polls on election night. But NewsNation’s application of the feature yesterday upset many watching.
A good number of the comments on the clip of Banfield’s segment were critical of the move.
“Wow. The count down clock,” wrote one person.
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“How insensitive having a countdown clock for oxygen…” wrote another.
A third commenter posted, “Way to go NewsNation… a countdown clock on the potential oxygen left for these 5 souls? You literally have no shame. Terrible lack of empathy and decision making. Were you going to countdown the final seconds? Ashleigh, you’re better than that to allow this on your show.”
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While at least two of the network’s segments on the topic yesterday featured the oxygen clock, the feature was missing from its Morning in America show this morning. It’s unclear what prompted that decision.
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