Internet Calls Out 'Dangerous' News Report in the Thick of Hurricane
People online aren't happy with NBC News right now, and with good reason, as many found a news report from the middle of Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall this morning, to be "dangerous" and "incredibly stupid."
The news network shared a video on Instagram on Wednesday, Aug. 30, with Gabe Gutierrez reporting on the hurricane from Perry, Florida. He stood smack dab in the middle of intense rain and wind, barely visible in the clip as the camera continuously quivered.
Gutierrez even commented on a billboard nearby that was "ripped apart" minutes earlier, adding that they're "keeping a close eye on some nearby power lines" before assuring viewers that they were far enough away and could go inside at any sign of trouble.
"Gabe Gutierrez reports from Perry, Florida, where wind gusts are hitting over 100 miles per hour as Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, makes landfall and begins to move through the state," read NBC News' caption.
There was overwhelming concern for Gutierrez in the comments as people shared their dismay at NBC News for risking his safety for the report.
"Remind me again why we need to put people in danger to confirm there is a hurricane. 🤦🏻♀️," said one person in one of the most-liked comments.
Another called it "irresponsible and unnecessary," going on to say, "It isn’t adding anything to the story by having him stand in it. This is EXACTLY why people do not evacuate," suggesting that seeing news people in the storm on TV factors into people's decision not to evacuate when a hurricane is approaching.
"This is incredibly stupid. I’m sure Gabe has friends and family who love him and would be devastated if he was hurt or killed by flying debris. Very irresponsible NBC news," said someone else.
A news personality from St. Louis, Alexis Zotos, wrote, "So unnecessary. So dangerous." "Time to change the industry standards! 🎥 ⛈️ ⚠️," proclaimed a social media user also disappointed with the news industry's actions.
Over the past couple of days, many people shared similar concerns for Ginger Zee as the Good Morning America chief meteorologist traveled to Florida to report on the storm like Gutierrez.
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