The relentlessly negative media coverage is bleeding consumers of whatever confidence they still retained last autumn, leading to deeper than anticipated GDP declines in 2012.

FORBES: European Debt Crisis Ravaging Retail Sales

"If they are transparent about results of a review, I think that could go a long way to build confidence back among passengers or any prospective passengers who are reviewing some of the negative media coverage, " he said.

CNN: Carnival cruise line in more troubled waters

But even if Obama's vetting process appears overly scrupulous, aides to the future commander-in-chief are likely more wary of an early disastrous appointment that would cause a wave of negative media coverage and raise early questions about Obama's leadership skills.

CNN: Obama's vetting could chase away candidates

Lowe blamed a "constant stream of negative and unfair media coverage which has taken on a life of its own", but at no time did he attempt to strangle it at birth, on the basis that any comment would only add to the frenzy.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Southampton | Rupert the Rare

Beginning six months ago, social media coverage of Apple has become increasingly negative, not just the tone but also the volume.

FORBES: What A Social Media Expert Says About The Apple Stock Now

The media coverage, which did a good job of explaining the negative consequences of the fiscal cliff, created this negative trend in consumer confidence and spending.

FORBES: The Fast Disappearing 'Santa Rally' And The 'Ghost Town' Which Is JC Penney