Reports covering Flint’s lead problems might not have taken such a sensational tone had Hillary Clinton’s campaign not turned the issue into a talking point for political gain.
Over-the-top media coverage didn’t match empirical data showing Flint’s lead levels were not dangerously high relative to other communities ignored by the press.
Per The Daily Caller:
The volume of news coverage discussing elevated lead levels in the town spiked after Clinton discussed elements of the scandal during a Jan. 17, 2016, Democratic debate in South Carolina. Toxicology experts worry the reporting blew the problem out of proportion, especially as data showed Flint’s lead levels were not exceptionally high.
Clinton’s comments and former President Barack Obama’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the town generated droves of media content characterizing Flint as a small town poisoned by lead. She ripped Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder for allegedly dragging his feet on the matter. “Every single American should be outraged,” Clinton said.
Reports on the lead in the town’s water exploded following Clinton’s debate.
The Wall Street Journal, for instance, published apost Jan. 19, 2016, explaining how Flint Mayor Karen Weaver elevated the matter further — she praised Clinton for being the only candidate who contacted her directly and for bringing media attention to the city’s plight.
As further evidence, a Google Trends graph depicted skyrocketing media coverage of Flint immediate after Clinton’s debate.
AAN Staff
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