Media Coverage of the Space Shuttle Disaster

John Balzar (Commentary, Feb. 5) is dead on target in his criticism of the over-the-top coverage of the shuttle explosion. Such blubbery sentimentalism trivializes the tragedy. Particularly absurd were the headlines proclaiming that President Bush “leads the nation” in mourning. I know U.S. citizens are finding it increasingly difficult do any thinking for themselves, but do they really need a mourner-in-chief?

Dan Hagen

Charleston, Ill.

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If news coverage of the shuttle tragedy was an example of media hype, Balzar’s commentary seems an example of extreme understatement. Sure, the simple facts about the event could have been presented in 10 minutes, but there was more to it than facts. People did go about their business last weekend, but many did so with a heavy heart. Many watched TV and read the newspapers as a means of connecting and expressing their sorrow. Perspective does return, but after a period of mourning.

Rima Baipsys

Costa Mesa

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Although Balzar may be correct that the news media provided excessive coverage of the shuttle catastrophe in its immediate aftermath, that is only a small part of the failure of our so-called free press. More important is the sad and unconscionable lack of investigative reporting into shuttle safety issues over the last several years. I read The Times cover to cover every single day, have a PhD in engineering and have followed the space program since Alan Shepard’s suborbital flight, and yet I was unaware until after the disaster that serious reductions in shuttle preparation crews have occurred.

The public does not need in-depth front-page articles about these problems after a catastrophe. We need the information in advance so that we can apply pressure through our representatives to NASA and other government authorities.

Balzar does not speak for me when he doubts the national grief associated with a disaster like this. The space program means a lot to many Americans. People may go on about their business, but that doesn’t mean that the deaths of the astronauts haven’t been on our minds ever since. Many Americans are grieving for them.

Lewis K. Waldman

La Jolla