Bath Salts - In the News



Amidst the panic of the 2012 Cannibal summer, brought on by intense media coverage of The bath salt zombie and perpetuated by further examples of North American Cannibalism, some voices attempted bring reason to the wild claims. This article both summarizes the popular and gruesome stories, while attempting to explain the frenzy whipped up around them. Talking with communication experts we see that the events which occurred that summer were not necessarily signs of a zombie apocalypse, but the level of coverage helped to frame the events as something recent, frequently occurring and out of control.

Analysis of Piece
The Frame of the article is that of the interest in the stories being the result of mass public interest and media fueled hysteria. The article is well balanced covering a large amount of information, while examining the frame established by these stories. Information provided by the article seems to be fairly presented, but more consideration to the viewing public could be given as they are portrayed as more hysterical than level headed. The article covers a lot of information, therefor it is assumed to be accurate but lacking in depth. Attribution is given to the reporter’s source: Scott Talan, Professor of Public Communication at American University. The information is credible as it originates from a trusted news source. In the midst of the 2012 Cannibal Summer the reporter summarizes many of the stories and helps explain the frame. There is definitely public appeal. In addition to offering clarity about the situation to the viewer the story also compiles the gory events that have taken place so far. The story is formatted as a summary or timeline and includes an analysis.

References:
Lendon, Brad. "'Zombie apocalypseâ€™ trending as bad news spreads quickly â€“ This Just In - CNN.com Blogs." This Just In - CNN.com Blogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. .

