CBN Correspondent’s 100th Story Jibes With Viewers

By:  Kevin Trainor/Managing Editor

Abigail Robertson is a correspondent for CBN News.  The Virginia Beach based Christian Broadcasting Network.  She never saw herself being on-camera, and feels she, as she puts it, “was called by God to be here.” That is probably a unique take amongst the journalistic class.  She is a 2012 graduate of the University of Virginia, and is the granddaughter of CBN founder Pat Robertson.  She was a producer on the long running “700 Club” telecast seen daily, and today in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building, is doing a stand-up in support of her story.  It is her 100th on CBN News.  This morning her assignment editor in the Virginia Beach newsroom asked her to do a piece on the Republican tax bill.  Of course, it being CBN, the viewers want a specific focus.  As veteran journalist/anchor Rita Cosby told NoViewNews.com earlier, “it’s not a bad thing for viewers to want to get their news from sources they’re comfortable with.” 

Originally, in the proposed tax bill, the child adoption tax credit was taken out.  It had been on the books for twenty years, and then it was gone.  The tax credit is $13,570 per child, and proponents say it is needed.  There are all sorts of expenses from summer camp, to scouting, and the more usual ones of tuitions, school supplies, not to mention food and clothing.  It is estimated that 64,000 families use the credit.  Of that number roughly 60% percent are in middle, or lower income brackets.  Simply put, without the tax credit there will be a drop in adoptions.  

As awareness came to the fact that the tax credit for adoptions would be dropped a vociferous backlash occurred from the public and pro-family interest groups.  In the party of pro-life it just did not jibe.  This was not the only objection.  A move to adjust charitable deductions on tax returns so that charitable giving could not be itemized was proposed.  This too, was something that today’s Republican Party would have a hard time explaining.  Pro-life, pro-family, Christian coalitions, all jumped on the bandwagon to stop the drops, adjustments.  This succeeded. Today the senate moved to adjust those controversial changes, and the credits, and itemizations will be retained.  Senator Ted Cruz, (R-TX), wrapped it up by proclaiming “we are the party of families.”

Abigail was happy to bring that report.  It is what her editors, and news directors wanted.  The information was solid, the reporting on the mark.  It was framed in a way, angled, to what CBN viewers would expect.  As a person she is exceedingly gracious.  She is genuine in wanting to get the story right, and delivered in a timely fashion.  She will write an article in support of her story which appears on the CBN web page.  This is standard for reporters both in the obscure local markets through to the network level.  It should be noted that at the advent of TV stations, networks, putting up their own web pages the workload of reporters increased.  However, not their salaries.  They do it because it is their story, and they are going to see it through.

Ms. Robertson is new to the media scene as an on-camera presence.  She nailed her stand up and was more than willing to speak with NoViewNews.com in the aftermath.  Some might criticize how she attained her position, being the granddaughter of the network’s founder.  However, she knew her information backwards and forwards.  She is not jaded by the high media level company she is in.  While the national media “A” team takes the seats in the White House Press Room, the Capitol Hill correspondents are no less capable.  Perhaps more so as they actually dig for the stories, and have excellent relationships, for the most part, with senate, and house, communications directors.

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan today said, “I guarantee this bill will pass.”  We spoke with Senator Edward Markey, (D-MA), who was upset that he and other Democrats are excluded from the hammering out, detail process of the bill’s construction.  It is the way now.  The party in power, Republicans, can have their way, form, and pass the bill.  They will be helped by a few Democrat legislators from across the aisle, particularly those in red states, who fear a backlash by voters if they do not support the long needed tax reform.  Unfortunately for them they will likely garner a primary challenger within their own party as a result.  Such is the tone, tenor, of the Hill today.

Abigail Robertson, 25, can be seen weekdays reporting from Capitol Hill for CBN News..