7 ’70s News Events That Were Completely Overblown

The 1970s were filled with headline-making events, but not all deserved the level of attention they received. Some stories were hyped far beyond their actual significance. Here are seven news events from the decade that captured excessive media coverage, leaving people to question their true importance.

1. The “Pet Rock” Craze

In 1975, the Pet Rock became an unlikely cultural phenomenon. Sold as a gag gift, it was literally just a smooth stone in a box with “care instructions.” The media turned it into a nationwide obsession, and its creator made millions.

While it was a humorous novelty, the level of press it received seemed absurd. News outlets covered its rise and fall as though it were a groundbreaking invention rather than a quirky joke.

2. Bigfoot Sightings

The 1970s saw a surge in Bigfoot reports, with sensational stories appearing in newspapers and on television. Grainy photos and dubious footprints sparked endless speculation about the creature’s existence.

Despite a lack of credible evidence, Bigfoot fever gripped the nation. The media’s fascination turned local legends into a full-blown cultural obsession, much to the skepticism of scientists.

3. Disco Demolition Night

In 1979, a Chicago White Sox promotion invited fans to destroy disco records between a doubleheader. What started as a publicity stunt turned into chaos, with fans storming the field and causing a riot.

The media portrayed the event as the death of disco, exaggerating its cultural impact. In reality, disco’s decline had more to do with changing tastes than one unruly night.

4. The Bermuda Triangle Hysteria

Books and documentaries in the ’70s popularized the idea that the Bermuda Triangle was a mysterious region where ships and planes disappeared. Stories of alien abductions and supernatural forces captivated audiences.

Scientists repeatedly debunked these claims, attributing incidents to human error and natural phenomena. Nonetheless, the media milked the mystery for all it was worth.

5. Evel Knievel’s Snake River Canyon Jump

In 1974, daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered motorcycle. Despite extensive hype, the stunt ended in failure when his parachute deployed too early.

The event drew massive media coverage, but many saw it as more spectacle than substance. Knievel’s bravado overshadowed the stunt’s lackluster outcome.

6. The “Battle of the Sexes” Tennis Match

The 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was framed as a monumental battle of the sexes. King’s victory over Riggs, a retired player, was hailed as a triumph for women’s equality.

While the match had symbolic value, critics argued that the media overstated its significance. Riggs’ antics made it feel more like entertainment than a serious athletic event.

7. Comet Kohoutek’s Disappointing Show

Astronomers predicted that Comet Kohoutek, discovered in 1973, would be the “comet of the century,” dazzling viewers around the globe. Media outlets hyped it as a once-in-a-lifetime event.

When the comet appeared dimmer than expected, it became a letdown. The relentless coverage only amplified public disappointment, making it an overblown astronomical event.