Can Hurricane Hype be a Danger to Public Safety?

Natural disasters require an incredible effort on the part of medical professionals, police, fire departments, Good Samaritans – and the media. Reporting on storms, especially hurricanes, means much more to media outlets than simple public safety information. These storms can mean big ratings, major awards, and they can make or break a reporter’s career – as with The Weather Channel’s  Mike Seidel. Unfortunately, media histrionics can also be counterproductive to public safety. In an  opinion piece for Forbes Magazine, Patrick  Michaels suggests that Hurricane Irene should have been called Hurricane Hype, and that the media made too much out of the natural disaster. Michaels joins us to discuss his piece.