Increased Scrutiny and Criminal Punishment
Bad publicity can bring increased government scrutiny and even criminal charges against a person or corporation. Journalists sometimes uncover an illegal or unprofessional act by a public figure or corporation before police or other government entities do. Once the story is out, government officials may feel pressured or may be legally obligated to take action, especially if the bad news concerns a corporation's product or service that could be harmful. The person or corporation could then suffer criminal punishment.