"Here's the thing about the bonehead media. They know we're probably about to experience something bigger than 9/11 and they don't care until it happens. Instead of warning people in SE LA with blanket coverage, they're saying: "Wake us up when the thousands of dead bodies are ready for the camera."
I don't want to argue, but I really don't think you're being fair.
I've been watching this storm since it developed east of Florida. I've seen lots of coverage on the networks, the cable channels, and the internet. All have been full of Katrina coverage today. One particularly compelling piece was on CNN tonight, with the head of some N.O. disaster office pleading for evacuation and, his voice shaking, telling people that this looked like the most dire scenario for the city.
Maybe other people have been watching other things -- there's always plenty of stuff seeking our attention -- but I can guarantee you that the word on Katrina has been widely disseminated since before she was even named. The storm didn't do a long developing path through the Carribean, so perhaps its rapid development caught some by surprise -- but not this farm girl, who always watches the weather forecast.
Good point on the media. It's hit or miss and some may just be waiting until the experts and mayors start freaking out.