When Bad News Makes Bad Policy: The Real-World Impact of Media Distortion

How Sensational Headlines Can Cost Billions and Change Lives

News is not just a mirror of society—it is a force that shapes it. In 'Flat Earth News,' Nick Davies demonstrates how distorted or sensational news coverage can have far-reaching consequences, driving public panic, influencing government budgets, and shaping the very laws that govern our lives. The millennium bug panic is a classic example: fueled by relentless headlines and uncritical reporting, governments and businesses spent billions preparing for a disaster that never arrived. This was not an isolated incident. Similar cycles of media-driven panic have influenced everything from health scares to anti-terror policies and drug laws.

The blog explores how omission—what goes unreported—can be just as damaging as outright errors. When the media focuses on sensational stories, quieter but equally important issues are neglected, distorting public priorities and policy decisions.

Drawing on examples from the book and recent news cycles, the blog highlights the need for critical media consumption and responsible reporting. It calls on readers to demand greater accountability from news organizations and to support journalism that prioritizes accuracy and depth over speed and sensation. 1 2 3