Fox News presenter mocked after appearing to link disappearance of Flight QZ8501 with pilots' use of metric and imperial measurement systems
Presenter Anna Kooiman has been the subject of some sharp ridicule on Twitter: 'Shocking to think people get paid to be idiots"
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Fox News presenter who commented that the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 may have disappeared because the pilots used metric, rather than imperial, measurement systems has been lambasted online.
Footage appears to show presenter Anna Kooiman link the use of different measurement systems to the safety of flights abroad.
AirAsia Flight QZ8501 disappeared en route from Indonesia to Singapore on Sunday. Rescue teams, including warships, planes and search boats, have been scrambled in an attempt to locate the missing flight and all 162 passengers on board.
Speaking to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesperson Scott Brenner, Kooiman says: "It’s kilometres or miles. You know, everything about their training could be similar, but different."
She continues: “So it’s not just differences in the way that we measure things, it is a difference in the way that our pilots are actually trained, is it not as safe in that part of the world?
“Because a lot of our viewers may be thinking international travel – is it safe?” She finishes by asking her interviewee, while her co-chairs can be seen shifting uncomfortably next to her.
Social media was not far behind critiquing her assessment of the situaiton. One Twitter user wrote: "I guess Fox News might start suggesting wormholes soon too."
Local authorities today reported that there has been a sighting of two oily spots near the area where the plane is believed to have gone down.
Search authorities are refusing to speculate on the find, claiming it is too early to know what the significance of the find may be.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments