On 1 April 2020, major television networks CNN and MSNBC cut live coverage from President Donald Trump’s nightly coronavirus briefing. The reason? In what was intended to be a nightly address on the nation’s response to COVID-19, President Trump used the time to discuss the importance of a border war to protect the US from illegal immigrants. Since then, the two networks have not hesitated to stop covering certain briefings live. This move by the networks has raised significant debate about the importance of the Fourth Estate and its gatekeeping role; is its role to prevent misinformation or support freedom of information?

MSNBC host, Rachel Maddow, argued that broadcasting is “going to cost lives” with many concerned that live-streaming certain broadcasts could exacerbate the misinformation prominent in the media. Washington Post writer, Margaret Sullivan, emphasized the importance of preventing lies being distributed to the public, as well as the need for, journalistic integrity. New York Magazine journalist, Olivia Nuzzi, however, stressed the importance of ensuring the President’s Coronavirus briefings were viewed in their entirety as a way to protect the right to freedom of information, which ensures that all information is accessible, even if it is factually incorrect. C-SPAN spokesman, Howard Mortman, also argued for networks to broadcast briefings saying  Americans should “think for themselves about what they’re seeing.”

During his press briefing on 23 April 2020, President Trump suggested the population should consume bleach and other disinfectants to prevent coronavirus. Within a day, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration received numerous reports of consumers suffering from severe vomiting and life-threatening blood pressure as a result of consumption of toxic substances. Other White House press briefings have digressed from discussions about coronavirus to the powers vested in the Presidency, with arguments breaking out over whether “authority is total.” With live broadcasts, information is no longer fact-checked or verified, meaning any statements said may be widely accessed by the public not merely in the United States, but around the world as well.

The media has a responsibility to provide accurate information to the public, grounded in factual analysis. It also has a responsibility to ensure information is largely accessible. However, the danger posed by spreading misinformation on national platforms cannot be underestimated. While information should not be suppressed, it does not need to be live-streamed all the time either. The President’s daily briefing can still be easily accessed on the internet or on MSNBC or CNN websites. The only difference now is that they are not live-streamed, viewed at the exact time they are being said. This time lag allows for information to be verified before being broadcast approximately two to three hours later with disclaimers if some information is inaccurate. Although leaving it to media conglomerates may pose threats to the accuracy of our information since it may be edited to advance their political viewpoints, in a world of widespread misinformation and hoaxes, it is important to stop fuelling that cycle even further.

President Trump’s position as the leader of the world’s largest superpower carries significant responsibility and weight. Regardless of where one stands on the political spectrum, a head of state’s words are likely to influence people and their decision-making, especially during an unprecedented crisis. The President’s misstatements are dangerous, risking lives with advice that comes from a position of authority, though one that is not necessarily accurate.

The Fourth Estate is in unprecedented times. Ordinarily, the suggestion of removing coverage is faced with significant backlash. But, it is important to remember that the media cut and edit clips all the time and that airing inaccuracy from a prominent position of power is even more dangerous. News outlets appear to be stuck between a rock and a hard place – only history will tell them whether they are making the right decision.