Categories: OLD Media Moves

Networks downplay good news about the economy

Ken Shepherd of the Business & Media Institute writes that NBC and CBS have been downplaying good news about the economy in its recent nightly newscasts despite the fact that the Dow Jones industrial average rose to its second-highest close ever and consumer confidence rose.

As an example, he referred to a recent spot on the CBS Evening News. Shepherd wrote, “‘ “With gas prices dropping by the day, Americans are suddenly feeling a whole lot more confident’ about the economy, CBS anchor Katie Couric noted during the September 26 broadcast, before introducing an Anthony Mason story on the dropping price of natural gas.

“Even so, Mason warned viewers, ‘don’t count your savings just yet. Even though the forecast is for a milder energy bill this winter, your meter will still be at the mercy of weather and world events.’ Using the backdrop of video clips of hurricane devastation and war, Mason then posited that ‘another Katrina whipping through the Gulf or an escalation of tensions’ could send crude oil and natural gas prices up again.

“While it’s true that supply shocks from foreign tension and natural disasters can affect price, Mason didn’t mention just how inactive the hurricane season this year has been. In fact, respected hurricane expert William Gray has downgraded his earliest predictions twice.”

Read more here.

Recent Posts

Moody’s promotes Kantrow to editor in chief

Moody's Ratings has promoted Yvette Kantrow to senior vice president and editor in chief. She has been…

5 mins ago

Politico reporter Fieseler departs

Politico reporter Clare Fieseler is leaving the news organization to take on some ocean reporting projects. She…

9 mins ago

WSJ’s Eisen to write book about the mortgage market

Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Eisen has signed a contract with Norton to write a book about…

2 hours ago

Reuters hires Krishnakutty as a news producer

Reuters has hired Pia Krishnakutty as a news producer. She has been at The Print as a…

2 hours ago

Indianapolis Biz Journal seeks a news editor

The Indianapolis Business Journal is looking for our next news editor, a role that focuses…

17 hours ago

Axios hires Berkowitz as ME for media and markets coverage

Axios has chosen Ben Berkowitz to be its next managing editor of business and markets.…

22 hours ago