CNN effect

The theorized negative effect on the economy, and other aspects of social life, caused by people staying home to watch television news during a crisis such as a war.

Proper noun

  1. The theorized negative effect on the economy, and other aspects of social life, caused by people staying home to watch television news during a crisis such as a war.
    • Concern about flying anywhere is the reason most often given for canceling trips. But some people say they are staying home for other reasons as well. Some potential travelers are riveted to their television sets,...
    • “We could see some more profit taking as retailers release somewhat tepid results, since the quarter included bad winter weather and the CNN effect,” said Tim Ghriskey of Ghriskey Capital Partners, a money manager in...
    • Uncertainty over the outcome in Iraq and the so-called CNN effect, which had folks glued to the TV for news, made for an unusually quiet spring for summer vacation rental agents. - 2003 May 25, Chris Reidy, “Rentals off...

Origin

Coined during the first Gulf War when unusually large numbers of people were watching the CNN network news, which provided 24-hour coverage of the war.