The first mass sighting to get full coverage in the media was the large and undeniably alien object seen by thousands in Arizona in March, 1997. Distinctive for its size, which could not be mistaken for a satellite or shooting star, this slowly moving and hovering gargantuan ship could only be a mass hysteria or an alien ship. Since the observers did not consult with one another, mass hysteria simply would not fly as an explanation. More remarkable than the sighting and the thousands who observed it was the reaction by the media, which reveals the extent to which the media is controlled on matters of the alien presence.
Where windstorms that blow shingles off roofs are reported on the front page, what excuse does the media have for not reporting on a sighting that absolutely proves that the alien presence is real! Lack of witnesses? There were thousands. Lack of credibility? They had videos. A hoax? What could hold a ship the size of several football fields in the air, for over an hour? An illusion? The sighting was visible all across the state, and a projected image, one placed against background stars, can fool only those situated at the right angle. Was the delay due to examination of the evidence and interviewing witnesses? The media traditionally operates by reporting first and issuing corrections later.
What caused the Delay in Reporting this astonishing sighting was not any issue with the evidence or witnesses, but conflicting orders from MJ12, often itself in conflict over how to proceed. Traditionally the media has been told to clamp shut on all sightings, and proceeded with this approach automatically in Phoenix. Orders to the contrary were questioned, and double checked, and when confusing confirmations were issued by MJ12, double checked again and again. Better to be safe than sorry, especially since a story once aired cannot easily be retracted, as Roswell so amply demonstrated. MJ12 operates like most intelligence organizations operate - on a need to know basis. Thus many in the ranks were slow to hear the new marching orders, and contradicted their leaders.
All in all, a mass sighting that pleased those producing the extravaganza as much as it pleased the majority of the audience, and one providing a second extravaganza, though one must read between the lines to see it. This second extravaganza is the international cover-up, which has been in place since Roswell and affects all major media outlets, bar none. In stark exception to the normal media reaction to truly newsworthy items, the media became catatonic for three months, and then found its voice! Please note, world, the best evidence for the cover-up has just been handed to you on a platter!