James Graham "J. G." Ballard (15 November 1930 – 19 April 2009) was an English novelist, essayist and short story writer of the New Wave science fiction genre (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._G._Ballard ).
J.G. Ballard on an ultimate in media malreportage in his story “The secret history of World War III” in which this event is “lost” in day-to-day Mainstream media reportage including technical details of the state of health of an increasingly vacuous President Reagan (1988): “[Broadcast: ] Mr Reagan also reports an increased awareness of noxious odours. Other late news – blizzards cover the mid-west, and a state of war now exists between the United States and the Soviet Union. Stay tuned to this channel for a complete update on the President’s brain metabolism… [later] the President’s physicians report dilated pupils and convulsive tremor, but neurochemical support systems are functioning adequately. The President’s brain metabolism reveals increased glucose production. Scattered snow showers are forecast overnight, and a cessation of hostilities has been agreed between the US and the USSR. After the break- the latest expert comments on that attack of Presidential flatulence. And why Nancy‘s left eyelid needed a tuck” [1].
[1]. J.G. Ballard, ““The secret history of World War III” in The Complete Stories of J.G. Ballard” (Norton).