From the archives: "Jaws" blamed for tourist slump at North Carolina beach

From the archives: "Jaws" blamed for tourist slump at North Carolina beach

The Steven Spielberg film “Jaws” was doing gangbusters business in theaters once it opened in the summer of 1975, prompting fears of shark attacks among moviegoers – and terror among beach community tourist bureaus, which were convinced the blockbuster thriller was dissuading seasonal visitors from the shore, as reported by CBS News’ Bernard Goldberg. (Originally broadcast Aug. 7, 1975.)

Truth Analysis

Factual Accuracy
3/5
Bias Level
4/5
Analysis Summary:

The article's core claim that "Jaws" impacted tourism is plausible, but without external verification sources, a definitive accuracy score is difficult. The piece appears to be a straightforward report of a CBS News segment from 1975, exhibiting minimal bias in its presentation.

Detailed Analysis:
  • Claim 1:** The Steven Spielberg film "Jaws" was doing gangbusters business in theaters once it opened in the summer of 1975.
  • Verification Status: While no provided sources confirm this, it aligns with general historical knowledge. "Jaws" was a major box office success in 1975. (Internal Knowledge)
  • Claim 2:** "Jaws" prompted fears of shark attacks among moviegoers.
  • Verification Status: Plausible and aligns with general understanding of the film's impact. (Internal Knowledge)
  • Claim 3:** Beach community tourist bureaus were convinced the blockbuster thriller was dissuading seasonal visitors from the shore.
  • Verification Status: This is the central claim, and without external sources, it's impossible to verify the extent to which tourist bureaus held this belief or if it was a widespread concern.
  • Claim 4:** The report was originally broadcast Aug. 7, 1975.
  • Verification Status: Cannot be verified without access to CBS News archives or other historical records.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
  • The article's claims are generally plausible based on the cultural impact of "Jaws" (Internal Knowledge).
  • Lack of provided verification sources prevents definitive confirmation or contradiction of specific claims, particularly regarding the impact on tourism.