Question:
OK so as everyone knows by now Japan is in Ruins, I am devastated for the people and there lives, they have lost so much and seem to not be catching a break. As heart wrenching as the news is and the Nuclear "meltdown" that is going on, could it be a possibility that the U.S. Media could also be adding to the panic through the Media with news reports that are not completely true, and Japan can have this under control, NOW i know they need help that's not the question, question is however, could we as Americans over react and out of panic falsely create more panic than needed?
Answer:
Same thing has occurred to me, too. I used to work for the media, and I'd say the general tendency is to overdramatize things. (I love the joke about the Weather Channel having its "Storm of the Century of the Week" all the time.)
The media do this because it attracts viewers/listeners/readers & that means they can sell more advertising. Business fact of life. Once you understand that, it does help a little in determining how hyped something is. To get a less hyped view, try watching PBS News Hour. They're VERY good at not over-hyping things & covering things in more thoughtful depth. Some say it's boring, but that's the price you pay for getting a more accurate perspective.
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