(Posted April 25, 2017)

Gurnal Scott, national correspondent for Fox News Radio,
Gurnal Scott, national correspondent for Fox News Radio,

Gurnal Scott, a national correspondent for FOX News Radio, stated that the race to the White House really started two years ago with possible dynasties: Bush and Clinton. “We were asking ourselves who would challenge these two dynasty leaders,” explained Scott. Fox News received its answer with Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont and Donald Trump. At that point, Scott knew that the 2016 race to the White House would not be normal or cordial.

To cover these events, time management is really the key, according to Scott. He explained that he has producers and editors who are calling him every hour. There is a lot of work that must be done before the big events. “You have to do a lot of research and make time to talk to everyday individuals, because that is really what people are interested in hearing,” he says.

Scott emphasized that learning which sound bites to use comes with great experience. Fox News is looking for sound bites that cause emotions.

Scott said the Fox Radio is dedicated to keeping the news fair and balanced. He explained that while the Fox TV station, may not stick to those beliefs, the radio station he works for definitely tries to achieve to this balance.

Ethics also plays a huge role in journalism. Scott tries to double check sources and make sure they are correct and accurate, especially when they will cause an emotional outcry. He says that there are some things that are not black and white and you have to check with your bosses, higher ups and colleagues to make sure you are not printing anything that is unethical. He gives the example of going up to a family after the loss of their loved ones and asking them how they feel. Scott considers it unethical to ask such questions.

Scott believes conflict makes good radio. Scott says that he likes to stick his microphone in a heated conversation and just capture the back and forth between of two candidates. It allows the listener to hear both sides and their perspectives.

“This election was like no other,” stated Scott, “because it was so unpredictable. Everything we predicted was wrong.”

Marlene Matula ’17, Juniata Online Journalist

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.