Bit late for me now, but I will have a look at this later........
FWIW, widespread bad media and shorting activity can be used as part of a textbook method for an accumulation......this is not always the case, but certainly can be when the opportunity presents itself. When this is the case, the idea is to make to stock appear quite weak and vulnerable....and to leave a negative gut feel in the existing holders, to encourage them into selling.
You have sparked my interests now, I'll try to have a look on Sunday or next week.