The much-hyped Hurricane Irene fizzled to a tropical storm and failed to deliver the massive devastation that the media was hoping for.
The wall-to-wall coverage of the expected destruction has now left the media desperately trying to show that apocalypse was only narrowly averted. But they cannot hide their terrible disappointment. Politicians are implying that “crying wolf” was not only the right thing to do but might actually have dampened the storm. Millions lost electricity as areas were shut down as a precaution against flooded sub-stations. But the 20 – 30 foot storm surges expected only managed to reach some 2 or 3 feet.
But water and gas and batteries and candles all sold very well.
The muted headlines on the day after cannot hide the disappointment –
Telegraph – Perfect Storm of Hype: US politicians, the media and the Hurricane Irene apocalypse that never was
New York Times – ‘Some Hurricane,’ New Yorkers Grumble as Danger Passes
Boston Globe – Tired Irene slaps N.E.
Washington Post – Hurricane Irene was not the powerhouse most expected
According to my son – “Well it was windy and quite wet”. Oh well!
Tags: Hurricane Irene, media, media alarmism, New Jersey, New York, tropical storm
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