Why The Viral Anchor Will Keep Reading the Hate

New Delhi, December 12, 2025: A Missouri-based news anchor, Carissa Codel of Ozarks First (KOLR/FOX 49), has achieved massive viral fame through a recurring social media series in which she reads hateful and rude viewer comments—often focused on her appearance—in her professional, neutral “news anchor voice.” Despite the intensely personal and often vile nature of the comments, the anchor has publicly confirmed that the series will not be stopped. Her reasoning is rooted in a blend of self-empowerment, media necessity, and a successful strategy to disarm her online trolls.

The Troll Comments Are Disarmed by Humor

The primary motivation driving the continuation of the viral series is a deliberate strategy to take control of the narrative and disarm the haters through humor. The anchor was quoted as stating that she initially found some of the insults “hilarious,” noting that reading the nasty, often childish, comments aloud in a serious, professional voice makes them sound “silly.”

By confronting the comments directly, projecting them onto a newsroom monitor, and delivering them with an unflappable on-air demeanor, the anchor transforms the malicious intent of the trolls into a source of public entertainment. The humiliation is effectively redirected back toward the original commenter, ensuring the intended harm is neutralized.

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Social Media Growth Is Required

A practical and professional reason for the continuation of the series is the acknowledged reality that journalists today are required to be strong on social media. The news industry’s rapid shift toward digital platforms means that a reporter or anchor’s visibility and personal brand are integral to their job success.

The series, which has amassed millions of views and established a large, supportive following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has proven to be an extremely effective mechanism for building a strong online presence. The anchor stated that she started the series partly because, for her job, she is required to be prominent on social media, where the news is increasingly consumed. The high engagement and large supportive community built around the series directly serve this professional necessity.

A Platform for Body Positivity Is Created

Beyond professional and comedic motives, the series is being widely celebrated as a crucial statement against the pervasive scrutiny of women’s appearance in broadcasting. By using her platform to expose comments about her weight and looks, the anchor has created an unexpected, highly visible space for body positivity and self-acceptance.

She explained that her decision was intended to “show how often women in this field are scrutinized for their appearance.” The message consistently reinforced by the series is that self-worth is not dictated by hateful comments. The anchor’s resolve encourages others who are subjected to online cruelty, affirming that if one knows who they are, nothing can truly hurt them.

The supportive community that has rallied around the series further reinforces the message, proving that online solidarity can successfully counter hate, ensuring that the anchor’s decision to continue is consistently validated.