FNC Scares Me With “Special Report” On “Frightening Epidemic” Sweeping The Nation

Am I the only viewer who was disappointed by FNC’s Sunday night ratings ploy? John Gibson hosted a 9pm special report, “Are Your Kids Safe?” The show constantly hinted that the answer was no, of course.

Here is how the network described the broadcast: “Murdered, Kidnapped, Disappeared — John Gibson hosts a LIVE special that investigates the frightening epidemic that has swept the nation. Plus, a panel of experts reveals what you need to know to protect your children.”

Frightening epidemic? Who, outside of the media circus, is calling this an epidemic? “Over the past few years, esp in the last six months, it seems our newspapers and TV screens are splattered with more cases of child abduction,” Gibson said. That’s true — but isn’t it a product of the press?

After a few seconds of eerie music, chop shots of police lines and headshots of missing little girls, John Gibson asked viewers: “Did you know hundreds of thousands of childrens are reported missing each year?” He pointed out that most of the children are runaways, but then introduced an “all-star panel of experts” to hash out “what it all means.” What it all means is high ratings for the hour. But with so many truly frightening things in the world, why do the cable nets keep choosing the missing kids?…