Suppose something like this went much much wider...
http://news.msn.com/rumors/rumor-tv-station-alert-warns-of-zombie-apocalypse
Thoughts?
http://news.msn.com/rumors/rumor-tv-station-alert-warns-of-zombie-apocalypse
Thoughts?
For the most part, you could probably just extrapolate the Montana reaction to the whole country. If there have been no reports of mass panic in those counties, there probably wouldn't be any reason to expect them nationwide. Even people open to belief in apocalyptic scenarios regard zombies as just fantasy, and would likely recognize the broadcast as a hoax, or at least be very skeptical about it.
Now, if the hackers had really wanted to play havoc with public order, they should have announced the sudden mass disappearance of millions of people worldwide. I am a decided non-believer in the Rapture, but even I would probably have a few minutes of disquiet if I saw what seemed to be a credible announcement about it. I'd at least make a few phone calls to confirm what was going on(though the phone lines would probably be jammed).
It would be funny to see all those people who are so absolutely convinced that they will be Raptured thinking for a few hours that God didn't take them.