I wouldn't like my name being splashed all over the media on suspicion of anything, but I wouldn't be worried about Sky News, I would be worried about people like the poster further up this thread thinking I "sound a little dodgy".
Just for the record, by saying this, I was describing how the media are portraying Mr Murat this evening - there is no doubt that the media, Sky News in particular, are creating their own impression of Mr Murat's character, and that is that he has been acting suspiciously.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion - it is not the media's job to have its own opinions on behalf of its viewers.
I thought people were not to be named, especially if they have not been charged. The guy could be totally innocent, i cant judge at this stage, but for your name to be plastered when you havent been charged with anything is a bit crazy.
I don't know what the Portuguese law says, but even in this country, if someone was taken for questioning by the police (don't forget, he hasn't been arrested) then the media would be allowed to name the person, until they hear otherwise, wouldn't they?
Yep, which often results in the ridiculous situation of a suspect being named across the media for days on end then all of a sudden, reports where they can't name them for legal reasons.
IMO they should never be able to name a suspect - or even speculate - until at least they've been charged.
Of course though that then throws in the complication of when people are named as "Wanted" in connection to a crime - which I don't see as a problem - so it's not all a clean cut issue!
Comic thing about all this is that all of tonight's coverage has been constructed by the media, right down to the reporting of the 'suspect' to the police - seems it was a Sunday Mirror journalist who reported him.
Perhaps the media got bored of nothing happening and decided to come up with a suspect just to keep themselves entertained...
To be fair, Sky News are being as balanced as possible, yes Ian Woods has been building a character but also has admitted tonight that he felt the guy was innocent from speaking with him.
The on-screen graphic is also stressing no one has been arrested at regular intervals - Anna Botting is also stressing the same.
What good could the media gain from inventing the story/creating the story, if (which may well happen) Mr Murat is cleared then they all, SKY, BBC, press will look foolish.
The fact is this search has happened right under the noses of the media, they will jump on it.
The fact is this search has happened right under the noses of the media, they will jump on it.
Some justification for the media being there. Still I am more interested in the Labour party contests, than continuous non-story reporting from the teams abroad. Still they will return tanned and with duty free I guess.
I can picture Kay coming back with some Malibu and a small Donkey.
The fact is this search has happened right under the noses of the media, they will jump on it.
Some justification for the media being there. Still I am more interested in the Labour party contests, than continuous non-story reporting from the teams abroad. Still they will return tanned and with duty free I guess.
I can picture Kay coming back with some Malibu and a small Donkey.
The local supermarket has some great bargins you know.
Last nights frenzy doesn't surprise me for the following reasons..
1. Since Madeleine disappeared there has been nothing visable for newscrews to point their camera at. The police process has been so secretative, all they have had is a press conference every couple of days.
2.When something does happen - it is a gift. It is down the road from the hotel where Madeline disappeared. The police search a villa right under the media's nose. The person involved is known to the media. Many members of the press who have dealt with this guy go the feeling something wasn't right - leading one journalist to contact the police. Ian Woods started looking into his background.
3. This guy on the face of it seemed to fit the Sohum murderer profile. Stay as close to the investigation and find out as much as you can. This behaviour arose the suspicions of the media.
If this guy is innocent, then I am sure his lawyers will take a look at the coverage. Ian/Martin did point out repeatedly that he had not been arrested and they weren't sure whether he was a suspect or witness - this probably allowed them to broadcast his name.
This doesn't excuse the media frenzy, but does help to explain it.
