When a storm is forecast to whip up winds exceeding 160 mph and waves soaring nearly 11m, you better believe the media circus is prepping its drama-filled headlines. But let’s cut through the sensationalism. CNN will likely lead the charge with its alarmist rhetoric, pushing the fear agenda, while simultaneously glossing over the real implications of these natural disasters—like the impact on local communities and economies. They play into the narrative that encourages dependency on governmental response rather than empowering individuals to prepare and protect themselves.

On the flip side, Fox News might take a different route. Sure, they will inform the public of the impending storm with a gravitas that suggests urgency, but expect them to inject a political spin. They will use this opportunity to trot out their favored narratives about climate policy, diverting attention away from the immediate crisis to blame “liberal policies.” This is media manipulation at its finest, shifting focus from the chaos at hand to the party lines that divide us.

Both networks will sensationalize the story for ratings, enforcing a kind of mass hysteria. Why? Because fear sells. Meanwhile, the real stories—the resilience of communities, local heroes preparing for the worst—get washed away, drowned in a deluge of corporate media spin. It’s time we wake up and recognize the agenda-driven narratives these outlets peddle instead of just swallowing the flashy headlines they feed us.