CBS News blamed an editing mistake after airing footage of an overcrowded Italian hospital during a report on the coronavirus outbreak’s impact on New York City.
“It was an editing mistake. We took immediate steps to remove it from all platforms and shows,” a CBS News spokesperson said Monday.
During the March 25 edition of “CBS This Morning,” producers aired a short clip of Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House coronavirus response team, expressing her concern about the outbreak in New York City and whether there would be enough medical supplies.
“That is because more than half of the nation’s new coronavirus cases are being found right here,” CBS News reported after Dr. Birx’s clip, the Daily Caller reported. “Crowded subway cars may have accelerated the spread. New York’s governor says FEMA gave the state 400 ventilators.”
The segment then cut to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo criticizing FEMA for an apparent lack of ventilators before showing footage of an Italian hospital that Sky News had covered days earlier.
A chyron during CBS’ footage read: “America’s epicenter: New York now accounts for more than half of new U.S. cases.”
The footage was identical to Sky News’ report, which aired on March 22.
“This is the main hospital in Bergamo, in Lombardy province,” the Sky News report said. “It’s one of the most advanced hospitals in Europe.”
When talking about the Coronavirus outbreak in New York City, @CBSNews aired footage of a hospital in Italy.
Especially in times of a crisis where people are already in a panic, the Media needs to give accurate information.
Irresponsible.
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— Benny (@bennyjohnson) March 30, 2020
