WHY? What will be gained from this??

Question

Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?

"The father of the missing four-year-old Madeleine McCann is to address TV executives about the media's role in the hunt for his daughter. Gerry McCann will appear at the UK's leading media industry event, the Edinburgh TV Festival, in August. Mr McCann joins a festival line-up that ranges from Jeremy Paxman to Sir Jimmy Savile and Jade Goody." (BBC)

Anyone else think this is kind of inappropriate?

Answer 1

Oh dear. This is bizarre to say the least! I do understand the reasoning as to why he would do this - to create more publicity surrounding the case - but as it isn't solved yet, I'm puzzled as to how Mr McCann knows exactly what he will say in this speech.

A lot can happen in a month... if your kid had genuinely gone missing, how on earth would you be planning out media activities that are still several weeks away? Unlikely as it is (unfortunately), we may find out what happened between now and then - so how can he be preparing his speech in advance, under such circumstances, without knowing what's going on?

How can anyone comment on the effectiveness of a media campaign when it has achieved no result yet? Something ain't right here.

Answer 2

I do feel that this is inappropriate. I still can't shake the feeling that this is all a build up to something bigger, Politics perhaps? Why else would they hire a "Campaign Manager"? Why else would the media and the Government be soooo prepared to ignore the fact that they neglected their responsibilities by not ensuring that their children were adequately supervised? I hope to God that Maddie comes home safe and sound, but I fail to see what this "campaign" is supposed to achieve. Is there anyone in Western Europe who does not know about Maddie by now? Also, is there anyone on here who is not "Pro-McCann" that hasn't received a violation notice yet?

I am sick of being reported for simply stating that, in my opinion, the McCann children were left in an unsafe situation. It seems that freedom of speech only encompasses those who don't rock the boat or ask questions that the media won't.

Enough is enough, they can give Gerry and Kate OBE's for all I care, Maddie's safety has always been my concern in this case, can they say the same?

Answer 3

I don't know if it is an issue of being appropriate or not. Gerry McCann has been given a venue to talk about his missing daughter to people who have the power to keep the campaign alive. What he says and how he plans to exploit this opportunity will be critical.

I hope that his speech keeps Madeleine's abduction in the context of an international problem that is growing. It would help if he started to use some of the donation money to sponsor events that would help other families with missing children who have enjoyed far less media coverage and support. And, it would help if he started to show himself outside of his holiday compound doing something, ANYTHING, to help find Maddy. (Come on Gerry, time to get your fingers dirty and start turning over some of those stones yourself)

Far from being inappropriate, here is another golden opportunity being handed to Gerry to help raise the campaign a few notches. But, I just can't shake the feeling that he is going to screw it up.

Answer 4

Any Festival featuring Jane Goody cannot be worth serious consideration. This puts the McCanns' bizarre behaviour in context.
I was one who defended these two people, but their lack of engagement with reality is deeply worrying.
I agree this is inappropriate as an aid to finding their daughter, but it is wholly appropriate for someone who appears to have withdrawn from the normal world. I think most people would have respect for these two 'resting' medics if they got back to work and picked up the rest of their lives. This must be one of the longest self-indulgent and fruitless campaigns ever.

Answer 5

This sounds not only inappropriate, rather abominable!
However nothing surprises me, to the lengths he will go to
achieve celebrity status following the disappearance of his
daughter.
What would be quite appropriate would be if Jeremy Paxman,
questioned him , with regards, to McCanns negligence & to
the necessity of a strategic , money making , Limited Company, Campaign ?..........

Answer 6

I started off with full support for the McCanns, because whether we like it or not, we all make mistakes and I DO KNOW that other Parents have done the same thing and left their children in SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES! (I used to do the Chalet Patrol at a holiday camp)!
Now I'm not sure what to think of their behaviour.
I know it IS IMPORTANT to keep her name and face in the PUBLIC's ATTENTION but is this the appropriate way to do so? I don't think so! It just makes him look like he's seeking 'celebrity' for himself! and how will it help find HER?

Answer 7

Inappropriate behaviour, I thought this started with the abandonment of three children for the parents own pleasure. No point questioning the actions now. what I would like to know is what is to happen to all the money, as it seems to me that the McCann's could be very rich with the proceeds.

Answer 8

Nothing whatsoever will surprise me about this 'man'. What would surprise me though, would be if he kept his mouth shut, got away from his flaming computer and searched for his daughter. He is SO full of his own importance now I'm surprised he can remember what put him in the spotlight in the first place. As to him coming to Edinburgh well. I certainly don't want him here.

Answer 9

Yes.The parents have not done themselves any favours. Especially in dealing with the media can see their reasoning but it has always looked good.. .Always felt theres a bit of the jig saw missing,find that the answer will fall into place..

Answer 10

he is using wee Madeleine's disappearance to make himself into a celebrity as Trev B says hope Jeremy Paxman gets stuck into him by asking a few questions that would be awesome