Media blowing anthrax scare out of proportion

  • Mark Briggs / All Things Media
  • Thursday, October 18, 2001 9:00pm
  • Local News

Terrorists, by definition, mean to terrify. Aided by the national news media, the nation is terrified on a daily basis as anthrax and bioterrorism dominate the agendas of network news programs, national magazines and newspapers.

The obsession with tabloid journalism and sensationalism honed during past spectacles (think O.J., JonBenet, and Chandra) has combined with the current events regarding discoveries of anthrax to create a firestorm of scare stories. Certainly the existence of anthrax in letters sent through the mail and the temporary shutdown of the U.S. House of Representatives are legitimate news stories, but the lack of balance in national coverage has pushed the national anxiety level to an unnecessary high point.

Tom Ridge, the newly appointed chief of Homeland Security, did his part to calm the fervor when he said Thursday morning that even though thousands of people have been tested, only five have tested positive for anthrax. And only one man had died of anthrax. As tragic as even one death may be, this still seems to be a successful showing for authorities during what is obviously a bioterrorist attack. Yet it’s difficult to find a positive spin on any news stories.

Think about it: one death from anthrax in the past few weeks. Yet more than 250 people die every day in the U.S. from influenza and pneumonia and almost 14 people a day perish due to food poisoning. But you don’t see any in-depth coverage of these epidemics.

Further, our servicemen and women are putting their lives on the line in action in Afghanistan every day, taking lives and leading the new war on terrorism. How this story has been replaced by the anthrax scare as the lead of the nightly news escapes me.

Meanwhile, the news has its collective dander up due to government restrictions on information about the war in Afghanistan and other restraints. Two dozen news organizations signed a joint grievance to “express our concern over the increasing restrictions by the United States government that limit news gathering and inhibit the free flow of information in the wake of the September 11 attack.” The statement was directed to the White House and Congress.

Detroit Free Press columnist Mike Wedland described the move best: “They sounded like the pampered elite that much of the public believes them to be.” (See full column here.)

Without question, the news media sets the tone for the national psyche. During the stock market boom of a couple years ago it convinced us that everyone was getting rich. This week it convinced us to be afraid of the mail for it likely will contain anthrax. The U.S. Postal Service handles 600 million pieces of mail a day and so far five have been found to contain anthrax. You do the math.

There are serious issues afoot regarding our national security. We need to concentrate more on the pursuit of those responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks and the collective strategy of defense against another attack. The anthrax scare is certainly a piece of that puzzle, but it’s only one piece. The national news media, with headlines like “Fear Factor” (Time) and “Anthrax: A Spreading Scare” (Newsweek) and in-depth lead stories on the nightly news programs, has blown it completely out of proportion. Doctors’ offices are jammed with people who think they have symptoms of anthrax. Public health agencies are scrambling to cover overtime costs to investigate thousands of false alarms across the country.

Unfortunately, we have to give the terrorists credit. They obviously knew that by targeting the news media with their bio-attack they would receive top billing and an effective way to deliver terror to every corner of the country.

So everyone, take a deep breath, and if you’re worried about your health these days, get a flu shot, prepare your food properly and drive carefully on the way home. Because you’re far more likely to fall victim to influenza, food poisoning and an auto accident than ever even knowing someone who gets anthrax.

I think the late night comedy “Daily Show” has it figured out. The other night it aired a segment called “America Freaks Out,” which reported a recent poll suggesting that “91 percent of Americans want mommy.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.