Here’s the latest from the crossroads of faith, media & culture: 08/07/24

What a difference a year makes. After yeoman’s work covering the aggressive wars against Ukraine and Israel, Fox News has just promoted Trey Yingst to the post of chief foreign correspondent. The well-earned promotion comes as Yingst is penning Black Saturday for Fox News Books which is due to be released on October 1st, just a week before the first anniversary of the barbaric Hamas attack that resulted in the murders of over 1200 people on Israeli soil and the kidnapping of hundreds of others.

About his promotion and the book Yingst says “I’m honored by the incredible opportunities that Fox News has afforded me throughout my journalism career. Our team arrived in southern Israel on the morning of October 7th as the massacre was unfolding and Black Saturday plunges the reader into that day while exposing the realities of war told by Israelis and Palestinians. I plan to continue reporting on critical breaking news developments around the world and covering the human experience firsthand. I’m passionate about the work we do and look forward to many more years of traveling and reporting around the world.”

Based in Jerusalem, Yingst was the first U.S. reporter on the scene on October 7th, 2023 following Hamas’ attacks on Israel. He continues to lead Fox News’ coverage surrounding the Israel-Hamas war from the region. Previously, he provided heroic coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the ground in Kyiv and the eastern frontlines. He also has reported on the disastrous 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Kabul, Afghanistan and has broken multiple international stories from the Middle East, among other global news stories.
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A presidential debate proposal. Speaking of Fox News, former President Donald Trump has accepted the network’s proposal to host a presidential debate between himself and Vice President Kamala Harris. An offer, she has so far refused – insisting instead that they face-off on ABC on September as the GOP candidate had previously agreed to before President Biden dropped out of the campaign. Trump, so far, has declared that deal null and void. Obviously, both candidates are resisting meeting up in forums they perceive as unfavorable to them. The bottom line is the American people certainly deserve a debate between the two people who are putting themselves out as our leader for the next four years.

Here’s an idea I’m just tossing out there. How about doing both debates jointly hosted by Fox and ABC – with the Fox anchors questioning Harris and the ABC anchors questioning Trump. Hit both candidates with unapologetically tough questions so that neither side feels the other side was favored by network bias.

The first debate could be a town hall format with a live audience (as Trump prefers) and focus on domestic issues, including abortion, border security and immigration, crime, the economy and inflation, election integrity, healthcare and social issues (i.e. CRT, DEI and gender).

The second debate could adhere to the one-one-one no audience format previously negotiated when Biden was the candidate and focus on international issues  such as Afghanistan, China, immigration and the border, Israel, trade and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, CBS has proposed a potential vice presidential debate for August 13th. The pitch was made prior to either side’s naming of running mates. Harris accepted but Trump’s side is holding out for the event to be held on Fox News. Again, why not make it a joint event?

Supporters on both sides deserve to know that, whatever happens in November, the candidates have been subjected to equally tough questioning.
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The producers of The Chosen have released God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4. The follow-up to the Bible studies of  the first three seasons of the hit Christian drama specifically addresses the issue of suffering and the good that comes of it.
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Sarah’s Oil has just wrapped production and is set for a Christmas 2025 release. A production of Kingdom Story Company, The Wonder Project, and Amazon MGM Studios and based on the acclaimed book Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America by Tonya Bolden, the film tells the true story of an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s whose belief that there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted is proven correct. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends, some Texas wildcatters and her faith to maintain control of her oil-rich land, eventually becoming (as the African American newspaper The Chicago Defender deemed her) “the wealthiest colored girl in the world.” The movie, which stars Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Naya Desir-Johnson (The Equalizer) actually sounds pretty good.

John W. Kennedy is a writer, producer and media development consultant specializing in television and movie projects that uphold positive timeless values, including trust in God.