Los Angeles-based Estrella TV has a penchant for drama and exaggeration. Therefore it’s no surprise that the network’s anchors and reporters are having a field day covering the Wuhan coronavirus, delivering their very unique brand of panic-porn.
Fear. Panic. Chaos. All stand out in a dramatic intro created for their coverage of the COVID-19 virus that is totally worthy of an award in the horror film category.
For an idea of the dark angle prevailing at Noticiero Estrella TV, take a look at this coronavirus compilation for the month of March. (Press on ´expand´ to view the transcript.)
WOMAN: People have to be afraid.
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ARMANDO GUZMAN: The situation is very grave.
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ADRIANA YAÑEZ: The situation is too complex.
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Experts warned authorities that the worst is yet to come.
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The lights go off in Sin City.
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ERICK IGLESIAS: The panic among the population in Texas, and around the world, has not been slow in coming.
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REPORTER: To plant the seed of hope and tolerance amid the panic and anxiety.
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YAÑEZ: And facing the pandemic caused by the coronavirus
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It´s a very critical situation.
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Amid the chaos, a Hispanic takes to the streets to find sustainment for his family.
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But not only is this virus a threat to Americans' health, it has also become a psychological disease for the little ones due to anxiety.
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The coronavirus continues to unleash chaos in New York.
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Widespread chaos over the virus continues to reflect in stores.
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REPORTER: Buying panic due to the health crisis.
The coronavirus is very serious indeed and must be taken seriously, as the Trump administration has been telling the nation in daily briefs from the White House.
But in difficult – and unprecedented- times like the ones we are currently experiencing thanks to this novel threat to our health, the call from the media should be to remain as calm as possible, follow the guidelines provided by the experts regarding safe health and hygiene practices, social distancing, and follow every necessary precaution to prevent contagion.
Emphasizing fear, promoting hysteria and spreading panic have no place in Spanish-language news, which in many cases is already overburdened by extra large doses of negativity and confusing messages often loaded with political agendas.
