Millions of Anxious Viewers Head to ‘Under the Table News’ TikTok for a Non-Fear Mongering Source on Ukraine

Vitus Spehar is a news reporter and community organizer. They've worked hard in the service industry to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. They also are the host of the L.A. Times TikTok. However, what they're currently most viral for is their TikTok @underthedesknews. 

This series Under the Desk News features 60+ second videos of Spehar recapping the news and bringing the most important facts to the viewers in a calm way. They make sure to point out when news outlets are fear mongering and what is most important to pay attention to. With videos going up daily or more, many TikTokers are going to Spehar to stay informed. 

Currently, they've been following the Russian war against Ukraine and is able to convey the news in an unbiased way that CNN or Fox are unable to do. 

Most recent update on Ukraine:

Is this the news of the future? The big media outlets have been a point of contention for many years now. They've garnered so much distrust that it causes riots and even law suits. Spehar obviously doesn't have the same budget as those huge media outlets do, but through their expertise and sources they are able to relay the news in a manner that 2 million followers chose over other news outlets.

Their last report calmly explains Russia's launch of a full scale attack and occupation of Ukraine. In their report, they convey a level of seriousness without causing unnecessary upheaval.  

“Russia has attacked and begun occupation of Ukraine”:

“You have no idea how accessible you make the news for those of us with severe anxiety,” one commenter said, “Thank you…” Another said, “as someone with really bad anxiety I just want to say thank you for being able to tell us the news in a way that doesn’t invoke fear.” While many others come to their profile saying that her reports are their most trusted source for news. They also make sure to answer any questions their viewers ask in the comments, clearing things up almost instantaneously to viewers—which larger news outlets are unable to achieve. 

L.A. Times: Russian Disinformation

They also report on the L.A. Times TikTok, helping push pack on the fear-invoking tactic many large media outlets use. However, on their own TikTok they have more creative freedom and often, after posting several videos of bleak news headlines, they will follow it up with another video only pointing out positive news. 

Local Boy Digs for Dinosaur Bones

With the overload on headlines and media outlets shoving story after story into consumer faces, it's refreshing to see a viral social media person taking an approach to informing the people in a fearless way. Their profile isn't just getting viewed by the Gen-Z on the app, but some followers have even commented saying they simply joined TikTok so they could get Spehar's news updates.