The media assault us with statistics. Seldom do we question the sources of these data or consider their trustworthiness. However, a review of statistics in media show that due to media fervor to get the story, the media often report false or distorted statistics that are misleading. In his book Damned Lies and Statistics, author Joel Best (2001) argues that statistics are most often used by advocates of social policy like the misleading numbers provided with respect to the homeless situation of the 1980s: ôEach side presented statistics that justified its policy recommendations, and each criticized the otherÆs numbers...Statistics, then, can become weapons in political struggles over social problems and social policyö (10). Many argue that the media seldom use responsibility when reporting statistics from activist groups or agencies that influence policy-making and public opinion.
If we look at the homeless situation of the 1980s, homeless advocate Mitch Snyder announced to the media there were 3 million homeless in America. The media snapped up the number and broadcast it repeatedly. The Reagan Administration argued the number was closer to 300,000 and no additional policies were required to handle the situation. Only after the number was repeated in many media sources did Ted Koppel of ôNightlineö debunk SnyderÆs number when he got Mitchell to confess heÆd made up the figure. Such misleading statistics in the media are not uncommon. The media, especially major News programs, can afford to hire statisticians to validate numbers reported. However, Sowell (2001) reports the nature of the media is such that such responsible actions are not taken, ôHysteria sellsùand accuracy takes time, which could make the news stale by the time the statisticians check it outö (1).
Others argue that the media often reports misleading statistics because activists or advocates are able to find a sympathetic ear. The case of miss...