Fox News Channel lost one of its own recently. Given the outpouring of support and high praise from a number of those who were friends with and worked with the deceased, it’s painfully clear that it was a heavy loss.
According to Yahoo News, Eric Spinato, 52, Fox News’ senior head booker and senior story editor, died as a result of complications from COVID-19.
Eric worked at Fox News in various capacities for the better part of two decades. Though he took a brief break to work for CNN and MSNBC for a three-year stretch, Spinato rejoined Fox News in 2007 to help the company launch what would soon become the ultra-successful Fox Business Network.
“They took the wrong person”
Spinato’s unfortunate passing was confirmed by his brother, Dean Spinato, who posted a touching tribute to Eric on Instagram.
“I love you bro,” Dean wrote. “You were my rock. COVID took my brother today. He was a gem and one of a kind. I’m so broken and lost for words. This man was an amazing father, brother and friend.”
Dean continued honoring his late brother, writing “I’m sorry to say this but this day broke me hard. I will make you proud for the rest of my life. RIP Bro. Eric Spinato I fkn love you. Brothers for life. Best man ever. It should have been me, not you. They took the wrong person. Xoxox.”
“One of a kind”
Following Spinato’s passing, Fox News’ higher-ups sent a memorandum to its employees highlighting Spinato’s virtues, recounting his importance and contributions to the network’s massive success over the past two decades.
“Eric was an immensely gifted and aggressive booker and was renowned for booking the innumerable ‘gets’ we’ve seen on both [the Fox News Channel and the Fox Business Network] over the years.”
“He was also always willing to lend a hand to help a colleague, mentor union staffers or troubleshoot an issue — countless bookers throughout the industry learned the ropes and the tools of the trade from Eric at one point or another in their careers,” the statement continued.
“His excitement, positivity, and energetic team spirit were one of a kind and will be greatly missed,” the statement added.
Fox Business recently published a story detailing accounts of those who encountered Spinato over the years, sharing their experiences and praise for the seasoned producer. Among those who remembered Spinato was Eric Trump, the son of former President Donald Trump, who said, “He is a person who is incredibly special to our family, he was beyond another employee at Fox and truly became a friend to me personally.”
Spinato is survived by his mother and his two teenage sons.
The post Fox News’ senior booker and story editor dies following complications from COVID-19 first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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