Patch Chat: Hurricane Hype, Helpful or Hysteria?

Though Hurricane Irene never reached above a Category 3 hurricane—and was downgraded to a tropical storm mid-morning Sunday—The Christian Science Monitor says coverage of the storm “easily reached Category 5 proportions.”

Critics argue that coverage was overly sensational, and that cable news networks made the storm seem like Armageddon was coming, according to the article.

Former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Joe Allbaugh told The Christian Science Monitor “This far outstrips any coverage of a much more devastating hurricane, namely Katrina.” 

He argued that since coverage of Irene was over-exaggerated people would be less likely to take follow directions from officials, and take evacuation mandates seriously in the future.

The Christian Science Monitor reports that media critic Tom Cooper says excessive media coverage is acceptable and helpful during weather emergencies, and can also save lives. Failure to “over report,” would be “inhumane and irresponsible.”

Click here to read the full article.

What do you think?

• Do you think coverage of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene was overly sensational? If so, why?
• Did you find that the storm was properly covered? If so, why?
• Did you find coverage of the storm helpful or hurtful? How so?

Tell us in the comments

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