Madeleine McCann: WMDs, Princess Diana, Credit Crunch, England And Bingo
MADDIE WATCH - Anorak’s at-a-glance guide to press coverage of Madeleine McCann, Kate McCann and Gerry McCann
NEW STATESMAN: “The Real McCann Scandal”
What scandal? A child went missing. She is still missing. And that’s it. Although after a year and a half of breathless reporting not all newspapers can agree on where she went missing from.
Brian Catchcart details how the British press set out to systematically destroy the parents of Madeleine McCann.
All the press? Surely not…
You may have missed it: at the High Court in London on 15 October, Express Newspapers agreed to pay £375,000 in libel damages to the so-called “Tapas Seven”, the friends of Kate and Gerry McCann who were with the couple in Portugal when Madeleine McCann disappeared.
Missed it? Who reads the New Statesmen who could have missed that news, it being on every news bulletin? Read about it here.
The Tapas Seven victory, it seems, was treated as a minor footnote to a burned-out story; few people were likely to be interested.
Not on Anorak. But why would the Sangria 7 be a big splashy story? A child is missing and libelling the friends of the parents is not the main story, is it? The story, such as it is, is about a missing child.
Well, they ought to be interested, because the McCann case was the greatest scandal in our news media in at least a decade - an outrage far worse than the Andrew Gilligan “sexed-up dossier” affair of 2003 - and those responsible are now slinking away almost unpunished.
The dodgy dossier, with its links in a paper chain to an iffy war and the deaths of Dr Kelly and Our Boys in Iraq, is a less great scandal than newspapers sensationalising on a single thread story of a missing child? So says this left-wing, Labour-supporting organ.
The editors and proprietors of the papers responsible for the great balloon of speculative nonsense that was the McCann story had the power to kill off discussion of what went wrong in the press, and they used it. When their balloon burst, they simply began pretending it had never existed.
They moved on to another story. Some papers – the Express being the chief culprit - were simply sued and paid up, or settled out of court. The McCanns won money for their cause, and the story once more featured in the national press.
Not one editor and, so far as I know, not one reporter has lost his or her job or even faced formal reprimand as a result of the McCann coverage.
Daily Express editor Peter Hill has left the Press Complaints Commission. If anyone knows a reporter who got a bollocking do tell us.
Catchcart then plays the most reaching game of Tabloid Bingo we’ve seen for a while:
Our national press is unforgiving when things go wrong, and the problem doesn’t have to be as apocalyptic as the banking crisis.
Credit Crunch and Our Maddie.
Ask Steve McClaren, pilloried so comprehensively for his performance as England manager that he now coaches at a small club in the eastern Netherlands.
In-ger-land and Our Maddie.
Ask Sir Ian Blair, the former Commissioner of the Met, whose scalp was demanded by most of the right-wing press even though crime figures were improving.
Menezes and Our Maddie.
Ask the two BA executives who had to go after the disastrous opening of Heathrow’s Terminal Five (Willie Walsh, their boss, survived a clamour of calls for his own resignation).
Big business and Our Maddie.
Ask, indeed, the long line of government ministers from Charles Clarke back to Cecil Parkinson and beyond, who have been ordered out of office by editors and leader writers whose high expectations they failed to satisfy.
Politics and Our Maddie.
If anything like the same standards were applied to the people running national newspapers, at least three or four of them would have been dispatched to their nearest jobcentres months ago for their conduct in the McCann coverage.
What is the job of newspaper editors? To sell newspapers? Does Madeleine McCann sell newspapers? Is it bingo yet?
Very few stories have commanded such intense public interest since the death of Princess Diana.
Bingo!
No explanation has emerged besides the obvious one: that this was all done to sell newspapers.
(We have has one debate, though.)
Now we’re getting somewhere. Do you have to buy newspapers? Do you have to buy newspapers as you would have to go to war, use money or have elected leaders? Cathcart has made his point. He wants answers. He now asks:
Perhaps this judgement is harsh.
Now we’re getting somewhere. (How many words to go. Ed?)… And what of the punishments?
The sums are far below the levels that might alter behaviour in Fleet Street; indeed, editors laugh off such penalties when, as in this case and in the recent Max Mosley sadomasochist sex scandal, they can be set against extra copies sold.
Indeed, the fines are not all that much for national newspapers to stand. So says Cathcart who has just told us:
If it didn’t add sales, then at least it helped a paper compete with other titles doing the same thing.
Did sales go up when Madeleine McCann was on the front page? In his piece on the weakness of newspaper reporting Cathcart does not say…
But, then, Brian Cathcart is professor of journalism at Kingston University.
Madeleine McCann - Still missing
Posted: 24th, October 2008 | In: Madeleine McCann, Media Comments (161) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
Comments
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October 25th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Petermac
“By the way, who deems these terms to be offensive ? The same P. C. white people who decide that Christmas offends Muslims ?”
I lived in the Middle East for years - Christmas deccies up every year in hotels, Malls etc for all to see, except when Ramadam coincided with it. Not in Saudi mind you, but there’s much to be said about Wahhabism
October 25th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Willo
I had a look and I remember now- clearly this is personal issue for you.
It appears Stig did address your points, you did not respond to his except to repeat the racist charge, therefore the issue remains unresolved and you hold the ball.
BTW, thank you for the wanker remark which I reciprocate with my compliments. It is good that you find yourself amusing too.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:00 am
penster
EDIT The above terms are really offensive..”
When I joined the police the “correct’ term to use for people with a dark skin was ‘Black’.
Then that was deemed to be offensive and we had to use ‘Negroid’
Then that was deemed to be offensive and we had to use ‘Coloured’
Then that was deemed to be offensive and we had to use ‘Person of colour’
Then that was deemed to be offensive and we had to use ‘IC 3′
Then that was deemed to be offensive and we had to use Black, again.
I thought that was the end of it, but inadvertently tuning in to an American TV channel the other night there were adverts for hair and skin products especially for … wait for it… “Persons of Colour.”
By the way, who deems these terms to be offensive ? The same P. C. white people who decide that Christmas offends Muslims ?
October 25th, 2008 at 10:57 am
You are either the rightful owner or inhabitant of whatever country, pure simple common sense, if some white fella gives you some beads and a few blankets for your land does that make it ok, or has he played on your unworldliness.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Oh Good Grief - what’s happened to this thread!
October 25th, 2008 at 8:27 am
How far back would you go Raspy?
On 26th January, the anniversary of Captain Cook’s “discovery”, we celebrate “Australia” or “Invasion” Day depending on your perspective. Given the history, we should also probably celebrate Hitler’s birthday. The common element is genocide. Funny what makes people proud.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:36 am
HEAR HEAR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10BbpGKLXqk&feature=related
PS: Mod, will you please fix this link if it doesn’t work. Thanx
October 25th, 2008 at 4:55 am
I take it Her Majesty’s Government will be returning Australia or whatever the indiginous race who are the original inhabitants call it, to the rightful ownership of said indiginous chappies and womannies.
Along with all the other countries which the white fella dragged kicking and screaming into modern society.
October 25th, 2008 at 4:35 am
It is hard to believe the crap the Aboriginies in Australia have had to put up with. The treatment they were exposed to has or is being uncovered and it is shocking. Very shocking. Amazing what is hidden and covered up in a country like Australia which people look at as being very civilised and liberated.
It was great that the Australian Government apologised to their Aborigines after a long period of abuse. The aborigines are the true spirit of the country and it is well worth to have a dip into their history and to also experience the rich culture they provide. A truely spiritual race.
I refuse the real stig leeway to denigrate this proud race without him being pulled up for those petty infantile jibes, even though he claims they are common place. Once they were, I agree, but in this day they are nothing but racist remarks.
I stand by my comment made in late August. The real Stig is a racist.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Interesting Willo. Using denigrating terms in reference to indigenous people says a lot about the person using them. Happily this seems to be a thing of the past, certainly in Australia. Not to be confused of course with deep rooted racial fear and xenophobia, but a step in the right direction. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised to the Australian Aborigines for the abuse and discrimination suffered at the hands of white people, particularly the “stolen generation” and their families. A proud day for Australia.
The above terms are really offensive, and about as fashionable as poodle perms.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Hey sponge bob.
The real stig was posting racist remarks around the end of August 28th? Look them up.
The remarks denigrated Australian Aborigines and smacked of a J B Peterson outburst.
I did a quick search in the Anorak archives but was loath to waste too much time on a racist and was unable to locate his original remarks. Black fellas, Abo’s, gins, noogas some of the drivel he tried to pass off as common usage words. Would he say then to an Aboriginies face ? I doubt that.
A few posts uncovered
: The Real Stig.
Willo
You a gin or something?
(Gin meaning (n) An individual of aboriginal origin. (Offensive)
and
The Real Stig Says:
August 31st, 2008 at 12:54 am
having personally witnessed Noongas…………
noonga
A semi-racist Aussie term stemming from Western Australia, predominantly Perth, as slang for ‘idiot’ or ‘fool’ satirical of the local Aboriginal Noonga tribe of Perth.
There were a lot more.
I did come across a few posters who posted in agreement with my assessment of the ‘The Real Stig”.
Daisy (a McCann pro) included, showing that his remarks offended both camps. I post what I have found.
Daisy : I’m sorry to say that Willo is correct. I work for a large Government Department here in Australia and our computer network does not allow any search for anything that includes the words “black fella” or similar. A big “Warning” comes on the screen and you are then advised not to use those terms.
Just clarifying
Another :
August 30th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Aug 31stRemigius Says:
The Real Stig
Hmmm…so much name-calling! Wonder what that means….
but anyway, your racial remarks aside….if I remember correctly, …………
The man or woman is a racist. I can’t abide racists and want people to know that the Aborigines I have met have been lovely human beings who after years of abuse are getting on a level footing with the rest of Australians. These remarks made by the real stig do not help anyones cause.
So spongebob my man, that is why I use the term racist when mentioning the Real Stig.
You may of noticed he has yet to refute the label. Shows you something do it not?
And by the way Spongebob, you don’t seem racist but do you come across as a bit of a wanker. lol.
October 25th, 2008 at 2:37 am
lo allo anyone around?
October 25th, 2008 at 1:00 am
A=B= G
October 25th, 2008 at 12:59 am
The Press didn’t set out to systematically destroy the parents, the parents asked for all they got and that stood out like a sore thumb.
__________________
m&a
edited
-meercat
October 25th, 2008 at 12:26 am
goodnight all
October 25th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Chenier
Then do your own. You are more than capable. Contact me thru my email, amd I will support you. I’m sure I will not be alone
But for the rest
Ok. “There is no rational basis for you to claim that one poster’s comments must be supported by other posters”
My issue tonight is that Stig is racist. Noone has chosen to support that charge. As far as I can see, it was mean and low blow. That is all.
Isn’t there some manner of principle to abide by?
October 25th, 2008 at 12:24 am
if it was n’t so cheesy, and it is, i would be ’singing’ young at heart, but it is so very cheesey and i’d be better off going to bed, but emma peel is on, and i like emma peel, oh, decisions, descisions.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am
spongebob, dunno, still think i am, aren’t you ? i think it’s one of them things that really never goes away, good thing then.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Spongebob,
There is no rational basis for you to claim that one poster’s comments must be supported by other posters.
I personally regard it as lunatic that the New Statesman would include an article about the McCann case in an edition otherwise dominated by the world’s financial markets crashing in ruin.
We are confronted with the sort of crisis that may result in Israel attacking Iran with nuclear weapons, and yet a journo devotes his wordage to an event which was tragic, but insignificant, in terms of the consequences for the world.
There is something very badly wrong with the media…
October 25th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Sadly Sam, I don’t do Floyd. Many. many.. ..many others of the time or genre, but no, sorry
How about R&Bs? When were u a teenager?
October 25th, 2008 at 12:05 am
i do me own songs thank you very much, i got a radiogramm in my head.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:03 am
yebbut pink floyds money is in b minor, apprently, and i dont’ think i do celtic.
October 25th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Twinkle Twi
October 25th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Is it a song you are waaaanting?
Ah feck off
October 24th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
C minor is better for Celtic tragedy
October 24th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
b minor sponge bob ?
October 24th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Chenier
That is true. I don’tknow either.
And it is Friday.. lots of the red stuff consumed…
Racism is a low blow, given the history of this case. Who dealt it?
Frankly, it affects me not. The charge that the McCann ’supporters’ are dishonest. I am not… I have no ties, and if it turns out they did it, why should I have something to lose, except that every time on here there is a wanker that wants to establish the pecking order of his cock. Hold that chord.
October 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Spongebob
I haven’t the faintest idea.
Presumably the only person who can explain why s/he made that accusation is the person who made that accusation.
It’s a bit unfair to expect anyone else to be able to come up with an answer…
October 24th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
And despite it all..
Why is Stig a racist?
Who can answer?
October 24th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
So, since noone can uphold the accusation that Stig is a racist, we willl await…
and..ahem
Carry on as you are.