Media Missing The Big Story
The news media's coverage of the anthrax scare is "excessive," says UAB communication studies expert Larry Powell, Ph.D. Countless stories about bioterrorism have overshadowed a much bigger story: the war in Afghanistan. "Two factors are at work: First, the media was a target of the attack. This fueled their interest in the story. But they're reporting about themselves." Second, the ease with which the media can access information from health officials, as oppose to military officials, is also a factor. The bottom line: "While the anthrax story should be covered, it's a secondary story compared to the war because more people are directly affected by the war. Also, news organizations should resist the temptation to become part of the news."
Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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