It is noticeable how much less passion there is in the media's reporting of the
arrest, charging and remand of Vincent Tabak in connection with the murder of Jo Yeates than there was with the arrest of
Chris Jefferies.
I would like to think that it is because the media have learned a lesson from the criticism that they received after the reporting of Jefferies' arrest, I hope that it isn't because Tabak isn't as "interesting" a suspect. I'm not convinced. In media terms Chris Jefferies was just too good a villain to be treated fairly, he looked a bit odd, he was a loaner, he read poetry!!!!!
The news media stepped over the line in the reporting of the the Jefferies arrest and could have
seriously undermined the prosecutions case had he been taken to trail over the murder. This is part of an increasing trend for the news to be more about the broadcasting of speculation that the reporting of facts, more and more airtime is devoted to talking heads discussing what might happen next or what people might be feeling rather than what is or has actually happened.
The need to fill 24 hour rolling news and a desire not to lose ground to the more gossipy internet are major drivers in this but the traditional news channels need to carve their niche for quality and accuracy rather than try to compete on pace a salaciousness.
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In media terms Chris Jefferies was just too good a villain to be treated fairly, he looked a bit odd, he was a loaner, he read poetry!!!!!
Not just in media terms, I'm sure this also influenced the police investigation and led to him being held for so long without charge. In contrast Vincent Tabak was quickly charged after his arrest as there was real evidence.
Once charged the media cannot go into details that may be prejudicial, but this does not apply prior to charges being brought. It is not just the media that needs to change but the law to protect innocent people who are being interrogated by the police but have not been charged, especially when police can apply for numerous extensions to allow them to question the suspect further.
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