"I imagine a lot of people tune in simply to watch reporters get bitch-slapped by Mother Nature, and frankly, who can blame them?"

In this quote, Anderson Cooper is revealing his belief that many people view the news simply to see reporters resist the forces of nature. He recommends that this is a kind of entertainment for some audiences, and he understands why they would discover it intriguing. By using the expression "bitch-slapped," Cooper is emphasizing the concept that Mother Nature can be a powerful and unpredictable force, which press reporters typically face difficulties and obstacles while trying to cover natural catastrophes. Overall, Cooper is acknowledging the fascination that individuals have with enjoying reporters fight against the aspects, although it might not always be an enjoyable experience for those included.