McCanns - Should the media speculate ?

Question

With the story that the BBC and ITV news heads have exchanged strong words over the McCann coverage, to what extent should the media speculate on a story where hard facts are few ? and if they dont speculate does a story go cold and fade away ? (exactly what the McCanns themselves dont want to happen)

Source: http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,,2147804,00.html

Answer 1

So far the British Media has been (uncharacteristically) restrained. I suppose that is bound to change as more information emanates from Portugal.
As for future media speculation on the Mccann's, its bound to happen, its what sells papers I'm afraid. Having said that, the Mccann's have brought some of the speculation on themselves by the way they have behaved since Madeleine disappeared.

Answer 2

Someone should tell them that they can't have it all ways - it's privacy or publicity. What do they want? They invited the media in at the start, then proceeded to turn the situation into a circus. And they should know by now that you can't turn the media off and on like a tap. They've been lucky so far - the media have been for them and I'm very surprised at this. Normally the British media would've been on this like a dog with a bone. But the general consensus seems to be that it's because they're doctors and apparently have friends in high places. EDIT: WE ARE CHANGE: Isn't anyone entitled to an OPINION these days? What the hell are your reporting him for? HE'S SPEAKING THE TRUTH and if you were HONEST with yourself you'd realise that. EDIT 2: To the rest of the detractors: Those two may not be able to say anything - But EVERYONE ELSE around them IS!! And where could they POSSIBLY get this information? The SOURCE!!

Answer 3

Unfortunately it's what sells papers and gets bums on seats watching the news on tv, but in an ideal world, no, they should just report the facts. I suppose that as long as it's made clear that what they are saying is just speculation, then it's not so bad.

Answer 4

No, they shouldn't, but yes, they will continue to do so for as long as people keep buying papers and tuning into the news... not to mention filling the web with outlandish speculation. Which this question - and, of course, this answer - all contribute towards, by default.

Answer 5

As long as the McCanns keep themselves in the public limelight then the media will continue to speculate.There is always one paper who is hoping for a scoop.

Answer 6

The news shouldn't speculate, but it's bound to happen in other areas of the media.

Answer 7

The freedom of the press in this country is totally out of control.

To an extent it is their job to speculate....based on facts and in an even handed way. But what they do in this country is try and manipulate public thinking one way or the other. That needs to be addressed.

Answer 8

why not they speculate on everything else why are the mc canns so different
the media always speculate no matter how tragic the story and no matter who gets hurt
they have been sued countless times and ruined many lives , why are they so moral now ?
not so moral when they speculated about robert morat were they

Answer 9

Whether it is the McCans or anyone else they shouldn't speculate if their speculation might harm a person's chances for a fair trial. Jurors read newspapers.

Answer 10

good question - its all speculation. I do think their is an awful lot we do not know and it will come out over time. Yes I think its right they speculate. Hope they find her soon.