Media should hold scientists, and especially official science boards, responsible for dire predictions that fail to materialize. The good example of this past year's non-appearing flu epidemic is dissected by Michael Fumento of the Independent Journalism Project.
Accountability for false predictions is desirable in order to prevent fear-mongering and its exploitation for notoriety and public and foundation fund-seeking. Modest claims probably don't get the financial backing that sensational claims do. Who knows the costs of bogus science?
There is an unending parade of uncritical headlines that include the phrase "Scientists Say." That's all it takes, and you can assert almost anything after it. Except that contemporary science, for all its achievements, isn't as sound and sure as these hyped stories make out. If you want the public to become cynical, however, then this is just the way to go.
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