I think you should. It's tacky.
Dear FoxNews (and MSNBC)
I wish to express how uncomfortable I am when I see segments where you interview a soldier and their family and then let them 'talk' to each other for a moment while we all watch. Thank you for the noble intent to show a heartwarming story involving our war effort and our troops, all of whom have a family at home and a country that supports them. But those segments always fall on their face. I have asked around, and I've never talked to anyone who didn't feel icky watching it.
When you put them on public display for what should be a private moment between them, I turn the channel I am so embarrassed. It is always so awkward for the family, the children, and the soldier combined to have to 'act out' this moment on live national television. You should interview them, let them wave at the camera if you wish, and then let them talk to each other alone... leave us out of it. That would be a terrific service for the troops, families and the viewing public.
Having a family member in a war zone is not a cute game for them, it's deadly serious. What would they really like to say? That they spend every waking moment praying they get home safe, sound and whole.
If you would say "We're going to let you talk to each other ~alone~ now while we cut away to commercial", it would show so much more class than putting them on public display to say something shallow and cheerful and supportive. The awareness that the live audience is there changes the whole moment for them, from intimate and special to awkward and artificial. I shouldn't be there, and I refuse to watch.