Nancy Guthrie: What happens when media attention fades?

Coverage of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was intense at first but is easing; local Arizona outlets and the Today show are likely to continue coverage while authorities say the investigation remains active.

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has drawn wide attention because of her daughter Savannah Guthrie’s profile on the Today show and the unusual circumstances reported by authorities. Nancy, 84 and with limited mobility, was last seen at her southern Arizona home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Law enforcement has released limited, intermittent updates, which kept the story in national headlines for several weeks. As new information has slowed, national outlets are reducing coverage while local Arizona media and the Today show remain more focused on the case. Key facts: - Nancy Guthrie, age 84 with limited mobility, was last seen Jan. 31 in southern Arizona and was reported missing the next day. - Authorities say she was taken against her will and have released occasional evidence updates; investigators describe the case as an active missing-persons investigation. - Savannah Guthrie has made public appeals and has been absent from the Today show since the disappearance. - Pima County officials say they will continue to pursue leads and have indicated the tip line and investigative efforts remain open. Summary: National media attention has begun to wane as few new facts have been released, but local Arizona outlets and the Today show are expected to sustain coverage. Officials say the investigation remains active and will continue to pursue leads; the schedule for any next public update is undetermined at this time.