Editorial

The discovery of anthrax on correspondence has many Americans experiencing high anxiety, fear and hysteria.

Anthrax, a deadly bacteria, has already claimed four lives and hospitalized several people. Given the low incidence rate and the disproportionate news coverage, some have accused the media of magnifying anthrax into a national nightmare.

Killer bacteria like anthrax are perfect for prime time news because they are invisible and therefore, somewhat uncontrollable. News programs thrive in times of turmoil because these topics appeal to a mass audience by playing on people's fears.

Producers for local newscasts and network broadcast news-magazines have a guiding principle-that no danger is too small to amplify. Some of the risks reported would be laughable were they not hyped with so much fanfare. For example, "...do not miss this show tonight or you could be the next victim." Given the state of the nation, any event with the potential to connect us nationally will get high visibility.

Anthrax, a biochemical weapon, is receiving so much attention from the media because it reaches as far as the postal system will carry it.

Although there is no firm evidence to connect anthrax to these attacks, it is considered a related terrorist threat-perhaps even coming from the same anti-American faction.

Americans are acting on their fears by purchasing gas masks to avoid anthrax inhalation and taking antibiotics to offset exposure to the bacteria.

The media have also been effective in fueling fear related to anthrax because of the suspected targets. Two postal workers died from anthrax exposure, not because they were targeted, but because the bacteria are being disseminated through the postal system.

Then, Oct. 31, two more people unrelated to the media, postal services or Congress appear to have contracted the virus, but it is not known how they were infected with the bacteria. Although the news media are the most visible entities promoting fear, they are making an attempt to police and regulate themselves, as evidenced by the suspension of ABC News Correspondent Carole Simpson. Simpson was suspended for two weeks for spreading false information regarding an anthrax investigation. This demonstrates that some of the media are monitoring, criticizing and exposing one another for alarming the public. The media have a responsibility to report news, even when the news is unpleasant, not to unleash national panic. The media should also avoid sensationalizing their stories by reporting facts, not speculation.

Instead of creating fear, the focus should be on education. Legitimate fears alert us to danger; false fears fuel disorder.

Top of Page | Front Page