In terms of absolute minutes of television coverage on the three major broadcast networks—
ABC,
CBS, and
NBC—shark attacks were 2001's third "most important" news story prior to
September 11, behind the
western United States forest fires, and the political scandal resulting from the
Chandra Levy missing persons case.
[10] However, the comparatively higher
shock value of shark attacks left a lasting impression on the public. According to the
International Shark Attack File, there were 76 shark attacks that occurred in 2001, lower than the 85 attacks documented in 2000; furthermore, although 5 people were killed in attacks in 2001, this was less than the 12 deaths caused by shark attacks the previous year.