Newspapers and televised news programs have more comprehensive coverage of violent crime than newspapers did in the old days. National data show that violent crime is out of control everywhere, not just in the author's city. Police records show that people experience more violent crimes in their own neighborhoods than they do outside their neighborhoods. News magazines play a more important role today in informing the public about crime than they did in the old days.
Unlike newspapers in the old days, today' s newspapers and televised news programs are full of stories about murders and assaults in our city. One can only conclude from this change that violent crime is now out of control, and, to be safe from personal attack, one should not leave one' s home except for absolute necessities.
Which one of the following, if true, would cast the most serious doubt on the conclusion?