framed

In her recent article visiting the media's intense vilification of innocent mother-victims of crimes in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, abduction of Madeleine McCann and other high profile cases, Dr. Nicola Goc concludes :

"Journalists indeed have a moral duty to the public to report fairly, but while journalists continue to create highly prejudicial news narratives which place innocent mothers within a Medea news frame, journalism will fail in its public duty."

Framing the news: ‘bad’ mothers and the ‘Medea’ news frame
Published in the Australian Journalism Review
by Dr Nicola E. Goc

Abstract

This article maps the news coverage and public discourse on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and draws parallels with the 1980 disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain in outback Australia, and the disappearance and murder of JonBenet Ramsey in Colorado in the USA in 1996. In doing so, it uncovers a recurrent and disturbing meta-narrative that places three innocent mothers whose children go missing in a deviant 'Medea' news frame. [...continued]

More on media ethics from Dr. Goc over at her blog, the Ethical Martini:

"A discussion of contemporary issues in media ethics, with olives and a twist. Made with only the freshest ingredients, shaken, stirred and poured over ice. I should also mention that I do like the odd, occasional martini. Bombay Sapphire gin and Lillet, dry and plenty of salty olives. Welcome to this cocktail of journalism and alcohol. A fine combination!"