The Epstein Affair And Media Agenda-Setting Strategies – OpEd
It is somewhat puzzling to see the American media devote such sustained and extensive coverage to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Of course, the seriousness of the allegations and the scale of the scandal itself deserve scrutiny. Yet similar scandals surely occur east of the Atlantic Ocean, including in our own region, without attracting nearly as much attention. In countries like France, for example, such stories often fade quietly without dominating public debate[^1].
This raises the question of whether the media’s focus is entirely spontaneous—or if it reflects a conscious editorial choice. Scandals of this kind can serve as useful distractions, drawing public attention away from deeper economic troubles, international crises, or complex geopolitical developments[^2]. The public, whose daily lives are shaped by these larger issues, can easily be diverted by sensational headlines.
Prominent political figures, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, have also mastered the art of staying in the news cycle by design. Through provocative statements, unexpected policy moves, or controversial executive orders, they manage to keep public and media attention fixed on themselves. This strategy helps maintain political visibility and, arguably, brings personal satisfaction as well[^3].
Ultimately, the healthiest response may be to treat such sensational news stories with the measured attention they deserve—no more, no less. Yet it remains an inescapable fact of modern media culture that wherever we look, the top headlines still revolve around these scandals, often overshadowing the pressing issues that shape our collective future.
References
[^1]: Boyer, D. (2016). Scandal and Democracy: Media Politics in Indonesia. Cornell University Press. (While about Indonesia, the book includes comparative insights into how different societies handle scandal in public discourse.)
[^2]: McCombs, M. (2014). Setting the Agenda: Mass Media and Public Opinion. Polity.
[^3]: Kellner, D. (2016). American Nightmare: Donald Trump, Media Spectacle, and Authoritarian Populism. Sense Publishers.
