A media circus is an event that occurs when an aspect of a popular news event recieves almost ludicrously high levels of media attention. The notion of a circus is thus evoked by the vast troop of reporters who are sent to cover the story, as well as a seemingly endless parade of pundits, spin doctors, and spokespeople.
A media circus will commonly appear when a story revolves around one central ___location. For example, when Jessica McClure fell down a well, the well became the site of a huge convocation of reporters and cameramen. Elián González's home in Miami following his custody conflict was also home to a enormous media circus, complete with tents, food vans, and dressing rooms camped outside for the television networks' vast staff.
Other unimportant American events that descended into a media circus include:
- The trial of O. J. Simpson
- The sex scandal of President Bill Clinton
- The sex scandal of Congressman Gary Condit
- The trial Michael Jackson
- The trial of Martha Stewart
- The Scott and Laci Peterson case
- The trial of Kobe Bryant
- The trial of Jason Williams
- The marriage of Lady Diana Spencer to Charles, Prince of Wales
- The marriage of Janet Jones to Wayne Gretzky
Somewhat important events include:
- The Columbine massacre
- The Florida Recount of Election 2000