Monday, January 31, 2011
Suspects should remain just that
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2011/jan/31/medialaw-national-newspapers
Given the recent media storm surrounding the Jo Yates murder, surely no sensible editor can argue that there’s any public interest in naming police suspects.
Especially as more than once pre-trial and pre-charge coverage has interfered with eventual trials. That the worst offenders haven’t yet been prosecuted for publishing potentially prejudicial material is a scandal. Now is surely the time for the DPP to let the papers know where the line is and that it can’t be crossed without serious consequences, including jail for the editor.
Fines are no good, as many newspaper managers will simply do a cost/benefit calculation and carry on when they reckon they extra sales will nullify the likely fine.
But the most important reason is to protect the reputations of the innocent who are questioned. Too many of them have been left tarnished by hyperinflated reporting of too few facts, often with little ability afterwards to claim redress.
It’s time to set the balance right by only naming those charged because the police will only do that when they have enough evidence — that’s the proper test.
Labels: anonymity, Ansoff newspapers brands, suspects
