NBC, ABC Recognize ‘Fonzie Fetus’ as a ‘Baby’

Well this is worth a thumbs-up: the networks are choosing “baby” over “fetus” to describe one very special unborn baby this morning.

During their morning broadcast news shows, NBC and ABC featured a now-viral ultrasound of a baby in the womb giving the thumbs-up. Hosts gushed over the “incredible” and “cute” shot – and, in a surprising move [1], repeatedly used the word “baby.” The father, Brandon Hopkins, originally posted the picture on Reddit, where it went viral. He and his wife announced [2] they’re expecting twins in January.

On Sept. 2, NBC “Today” Co-host Willie Geist recognized how “a baby who hasn’t even been born yet” became “a huge hit on social media” through an “incredible shot.” Geist never once uttered “fetus,” except to explain the baby’s viral nickname:  “Some are calling the baby the ‘Fonzie Fetus’ after Henry Winkler’s character on ‘Happy Days,’” he explained.Embed Code:

Similarly, during ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Co-host Amy Robach acknowledged “a couple’s baby clearly giving a thumbs-up.” “Look how cute that is!” she gushed.

Other broadcast news shows followed suit the same day, with “Morning Joe” Co-host Mika Brzezinski noting the “baby” as well as “Fox and Friends” Co-host Steve Doocy. Fox’s lower third used both terms: “Baby Fonzie: Fetus Gives Thumbs-up in Ultrasound.”

This latest move by NBC and ABC contrasts with the media’s (lack of) coverage on life events [3] – but signals a change. An NBC host also recently admitted [4] “life in the womb” is “much busier in there than you might expect.”