Tennessee House advances resolution accusing mainstream media of virus 'sensationalism'
A Republican state representative from Tennessee has issued a resolution to "memorialize" the mainstream media over "sensationalism to advance their political agendas." PHOTOS: Tennessee General Assembly
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Before the Tennessee legislative session adjourned at about 3 a.m. Friday, the House advanced a resolution accusing the mainstream media of "sensationalism" amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resolution congratulated Tennesseans “for clearly seeing that the mainstream media has sensationalized the reporting on COVID-19 in the service of political agendas.”
HR0340 was submitted on Monday by Rep. Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough). This is not the first time Rep. Van Huss has targeted the media. Earlier this year he submitted a resolution seeking to recognize CNN and the Washington Post as "fake news."
The new resolution from Van Huss accuses the media of shaming and criticizing "those who wanted to reopen their businesses, gather at the beach, or attend church services; however, the mainstream media is now largely dismissing social distancing narratives when it comes to demonstrations," the resolution states.
Rep. Van Huss goes on to claim the media has been "consumed by the pandemic" and also questions coverage of protests. The resolution ends stating "we congratulate the people of Tennessee for clearly seeing that the mainstream media has sensationalized the reporting on COVID-19 in the service of political agendas."
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) on Tuesday also released data showing the state has reached a high in hospitalizations from the virus with over 400 hospitalized. VUMC models show if trends continue, the state could reach 1,000 hospitalizations by mid-to-late July or early August. That surge could put some of the state's hospitals under stress if they have limited ICU or floor beds.