He was just a man. But he was a man who ran in the social circles of the New York and Washington media. The people bringing you the news all knew and liked him. His death is important and symbolic to them, and to everyone they talk to in their insular circles, so they report that the whole nation is mourning. Never mind that most people don't really care very much unless they've let the non-stop coverage get to them.
Slashdot Mirror
He was just a man. But he was a man who ran in the social circles of the New York and Washington media. The people bringing you the news all knew and liked him. His death is important and symbolic to them, and to everyone they talk to in their insular circles, so they report that the whole nation is mourning. Never mind that most people don't really care very much unless they've let the non-stop coverage get to them.
Don't forget that MSNBC's debut was coverage of TWA 800. They established their habits early.