Monday, 8th of March 2010
Power of the media
More than 17 years after the horrific murder of two-year-old James Bulger, the case is back in the headlines. The criminal justice system is facing increasing pressure to reveal the reasons why one of James’ killers, Jon Venables, is back behind bars nine years after his release from jail.
There has been growing newspaper speculation over the reasons why Venables has been arrested, but the Government has so far refused to divulge the full details for fear of it prejudicing any future trial.
Justice Secretary, Jack Straw has warned that the media is one step closer to breaking the law over reports of James’ killer, after The Sunday Mirror reports on the case.
We all know how powerful the media can be and this case is a leading example. The tabloids are aware of the huge public interest surrounding it, and are keeping readers gripped with daily updates.
They have said it is in the public’s interest not to protect the identities of Venables and Thompson, claiming politicians are putting us at risk by keeping quiet.
It is also true to say that the media’s number one interest is to sell papers, and they will go to great lengths to achieve it. But does that mean they should break the law ‘in the public interest’?
