2007-04-03-皮尤-Anna_Nicole_Smith_-_Anatomy_of_a_Feeding_Frenzy_14页_73kb

PEJ Special Index Report Summary: Anna Nicole Smith Media Coverage

• Event and Initial Reaction:
  Anna Nicole Smith was found unconscious on February 8, 2007, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Her death sparked extensive media coverage, making it one of the most prominent stories of that period, though not dominant across all media sectors.

• Media Coverage Distribution:

  • Cable and Morning TV: Cable news (especially Fox News) and network morning shows (ABC, CBS, NBC) provided the bulk of coverage. Fox dedicated 32% of its airtime to the story, while CBS and NBC morning shows allocated 20% and 17%, respectively.
  • Other Media: Evening news, newspapers, online sites, and radio accorded significantly less attention, with coverage rarely exceeding 5% of their total news output.

• Dominance Despite Lack of Universal Appeal:
  Despite not generating attention in higher outlets, cable news amplified the story to the point that it was the second-largest story in terms of media focus. The story even surpassed other major events like the Iraq War debate or the 2008 presidential campaign in cable-centric media landscapes.

• Cable’s Role:
  Cable television news played a pivotal role in sustaining and magnifying the cycle of coverage. Even after the initial frenzy, cable outlets continued to prioritize the story, generating over 2,645 minutes (nearly 44 hours) of coverage over the 23-day period.

• Key Findings:

  • The story was third overall in national press coverage.
  • Cable news drove most attention, with Fox News being the dominant contributor.
  • Media consumption varied significantly by platform, with higher percentages in cable and morning TV.

• Conclusion:
  The Anna Nicole Smith case underscored how cable television’s focus and appetite for sensational content could amplify a story into a national event, even when little other major news existed, demonstrating media fragmentation and the influence of 24-hour news cycles.