Closure
I have recently completed a dissertation focusing on the British broadcast media coverage of the Madeleine McCann investigation. Below is the abstract outlining what the research focuses on. For more information please contact me at ruthsharpe05@yahoo.co.uk
THE 24-HOUR NEWS COVERAGE OF THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MADELEINE MCCANN
Did xenophobia distort the ethics of British broadcast journalism?
Abstract
The coverage of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann took over the news agenda in May, 2007. The media circus that followed left a question mark over the current state of British journalism. Since 24-hour news channels emerged, the media has changed significantly, yet few people realise what a major impact it has on everyday life.
The dissertation offers a detailed examination of what happened when the news teams descended on Praia da Luz in Portugal, a country previously outside the grasp of ‘rolling’ news. It investigates how 24-hour news channels covered the Madeleine McCann story from the night of the 3-year-old’s disappearance until July 2008, when the case was shelved by the Portuguese authorities. Through interviewing English and Portuguese journalists who worked in the Algarve and experts in the broadcast industry, the investigation attempts to uncover the reality of how news was reported from Portugal.
The disappearance of a little girl has exposed very worrying trends in television news: a willingness to distort events to create a real life drama, an ability to mislead the public en masse and the failure to deliver accurate news, despite having extensive resources in place.
The price of a united Europe
With the recent signing of the Lisbon Treaty the creation of the ‘United States of Europe’ is becoming a very real scenario. While EU politicians tell us of the increased prosperity, equality and peace EU citizens will share, a question mark remains over what the impact will be to our freedom and more importantly, our own safety.
In 2007, the world celebrated the union between East and West Europe when Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union, completing the largest phase of the EU enlargement. Almost overnight, Membership rose from 15 to 27 countries in a move towards greater peace and unity.
Positive concepts such as diversity, solidarity, security, efficiency, growth, employment and liberty were promoted in order to inspire the skeptics of such a vast enlargement. Although citizens were warned that setbacks were bound to occur by uniting 500 million citizens so quickly, EU commissioners promised that by working together these issues could be overcome. Beneath the economics and politics of whether or not enlargement is a good thing, problems have surfaced: organised crime, prostitution and drug trafficking is spreading and affecting more people than ever before and the blame is being laid on citizens of the new member states, mainly Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. This is affecting British citizens in more ways than they imagine because they have become targets of criminals inside and outside of their own country. In particular, ex-patriots who have left Britain in search of a quiet life abroad, in areas such as Portugal, Spain and Greece have fallen victim of organised crime.
Crime hits the Algarve
In May 2006, just months after ten eastern European countries joined the EU, a gang caused chaos in the Eastern Algarve, terrorising ex-patriots, as they carried out 12 violent break-ins, over six months. The gang’s tactics involved breaking into houses late at night, violently beating the occupants before holding them hostage, in some cases for up to eight hours, while taking all their valuables. They forced the hostages to reveal their PIN numbers before sending two of the gang members away to withdraw the money ensuring they have the correct numbers. In one case a man had his finger cut off and a dog was beaten to death.
In February 2007, six weeks after Romania became a member state, police arrested five Romanian men, who have since been charged with involvement in the attacks. The leader of the gang is still at large and believed to be involved in a Polish mafia ring. All the victims, except one Dutch couple, were retired British couples living in remote villas.
Of the 12 attacks carried out, more than two thirds of the victims have chosen to move back to Britain as they no longer feel safe in the Algarve. All of a sudden, in a region that once boasted one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, the papers began reporting regular stabbings, robberies and murder, with the vast majority of cases attributed to Eastern Europeans.While tourist boards pump out statistics claiming that people feel safe, and crime levels are lower, the fact that organised crime has become a major issue in the region gains little attention, as has the lack of police resources to deal with it. The trend has potentially fatal economic implications for an area dependant on tourism.
The victims of these attacks attempted to publicise the issue at the time but only reached the attention of local papers. One 72 year-old man who has now returned to Kent with his wife said: “I lived in the Eastern Algarve for 16 years and never once felt unsafe. Now I cannot even go back there, because the gangs have infiltrated and taken advantage of the remote, sparse landscape and lack of general security. Brits go there to escape the hustle and bustle and the big-brother-like intrusion of CCTV, but now there is such ease of access to the country that hundreds of criminals are in their element. The EU gave some unstable countries access to a country whose police system was barely efficient enough to deal with its own citizens not to mention the huge influx of tourists during seasonal months. It now has the added danger of eastern European crime rings. It’s a recipe for disaster.”
Another victim, a 67 year-old woman said: “I admit that I was pro-Europe and very in favour of enlargement but now I have fallen victim to such heinous violence, which can be attributed to this move of unifying countries that are not in a stable position. I read in the papers that the EU Commission said Romania was not ready to be admitted into the EU on January 1, 2007. Four Romanian men attacked me on January 6, 2007. I’m sure for millions of people, this is a great moment of liberation but these things always come at a cost and in this case, the cost has been my personal freedom. I no longer feel safe in Portugal or even in my own country.”
The chilling effect
Polls suggest attitudes towards enlargement are cooling. Forty-six per cent of people questioned in an autumn 2006 Eurobarometer poll were in favour of further enlargement (down from 49% a year months earlier), and 42% were against (up from 39% six months earlier). The rest did not know.However, the picture varies from country to country. People in countries which joined the EU in 2004 seem to be broadly in favour of further enlargement, as are the people of Greece, Sweden and Spain. But in five other member states – Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the UK – only 30-36% support the idea. These countries that take the positive attitude tend to be the ones that believe they have the most to gain from membership or alternatively they have police resources in place capable of dealing with these crime rings.
Most countries have been reluctant to discuss a rise in organised crime however the Norwegian press spoke up about the issue last summer. The police announced that crime in the Nordic countries, in particular prostitution, drug smuggling and armed robbery, had increased since EU’s eastern enlargement.“We feel this paints a bleak picture,” says Chief Inspector Ole Petter Ekhaugen at CID headquarters in Norway to the newspaper ‘Dagsavisen’. Since the enlargement of the EU in 2004 the police have registered an increase in crime perpetrated by people from the Baltic States and Poland.
EU Reaction
The EU has promised since the last enlargement that it will be able to work with new member states to tackle organised crime and trafficking however little evidence of these words in action has appeared. In 2007, EU states agreed that further action must be taken but disagreed on whether to lift the national veto on questions of police and judicial co-operation. According to the EU Commission: “enlargement enables the EU to extend its police and justice cooperation to the new member states, thus making the fight against crime and terrorism more effective. The more EU members integrate their crime-fighting efforts with their neighbours, the better they can protect Europe’s citizens.
There is concern that this move for greater unity could create even more division within the EU. While undoubtedly this is better than 50 years ago when the continent was a divided battlefield, it seems that some citizens feel that if the EU has implemented such a mass enlargement there needs to be some structure in place to protect their own safety.
The differing views on enlargement
We’ve opened up our borders to allow those from poorly developed countries to both abandon their own country’s development, and to bring cheap labour to the UK. Let’s be clear, the only beneficiaries are the employers who don’t want to invest in development and training the UK population. They simply want cheap labour from abroad. This country has ceased to be.Roy West, England
“Why would you not like eastern Europeans to live and work in the UK while loads of Brits come to the sun of the Mediterranean coasts and try to establish their manners and language? Division represents “selfishness” and this is the real problem of our planet today. Unity is the right formula and I am glad to see that “others” have the chance too. Welcome all of you.” Francisco Gomes, Madrid
EU enlargement is a great historic event that ends the division between Eastern and Western Europe. I see a bright future for Europe. Some growing pains are inevitable but the potential for a better world is exciting. Not only will the member states be better off but the entire world could benefit from an expanded EU, especially if it decides to act as a counter force to American imperialism. I wish you all the best of luck. James, Philadelphia, USA
Eastern European workers will undercut our wages. People will still be paid £4.50 an hour in 10 years time. The roads will be more crowded the cities will become more split. This is another nail in the coffin for this once great nation. Why on earth am I going to work in Estonia for 20 pounds a week! They gain and we Brits get taken for a ride again. P Jones, Southampton, UK
Mia Farrow urges students to support Darfur
MIA FARROW has appealed to students to raise awareness for the atrocities taking place in Darfur, speaking at the Fund4Darfur launch held in London earlier this month.
The Hollywood actress, campaigner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador delivered an impassioned speech at the event in Maida Vale, backed up with photos of her experiences from her seven visits to Darfur since 2004.
The Fund4Darfur is a project of the Aegis Trust, the leading UK-based genocide prevention organisation. Farrow was joined by actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Clare-Hope Ashitey at the December 2 launch. Speaking after her presentation, Farrow emphasised that people, and especially students, could help the cause by educating and promoting awareness to everyone around them.
Farrow explained that students have a vital role as they have many outlets at university to make people aware of the crisis hit region. “They are a pivotal generation that can start a movement of change. If we can gather students from all over the world to support this initiative and put pressure on those who have the power to make things change, then eventually governments will have to listen.”
The recent press attention for Gillian Gibbons’ imprisonment in Sudan has astonishingly given the region more exposure in a matter of days than it has ever received before. One attendee at the launch said: “Over 200,000 Darfuris have been brutally murdered since 2003 and 2.4 million displaced from their homes, however, people seem to care more about the naming of a teddy bear.”
Commenting on the incident Farrow said: “The situation with Gillian Gibbons demonstrates the palpable insanity and cruelty of that regime, and this is only one woman. Imagine what would happen to her out of the public eye.”
Farrow discussed why there was general apathy towards Darfur. “It’s a question of our levels of priorities, we have the leverage and power and we must do our utmost to stop it” she said.
“We have to look at Darfur through the prism of Rwanda not the prism of Iraq; then it is very clear what we must do. ‘Never again’ was uttered by so many after the Holocaust, but it simply hasn’t been adhered too.”
Money raised for Fund4Darfur will go to help survivors of the Darfur‘s ethnic cleansing, both in the region and those in the UK facing destitution and the threat of return to Khartoum.
Beijing’s Genocide Olympics
ANTI-GENOCIDE CAMPAIGNERS have called for sponsors of the Beijing Olympic Games to withdraw their support, citing that the Chinese Government is contributing towards the current atrocities in Darfur.
Darfur activists gathered at an eleven hour summit in London on December 2 to celebrate Darfuri culture and highlight what can be done to ease the crisis hit region.
Hundreds of people attended ‘Act for Darfur – The 11th Hour’, which included performances, films, exhibitions, testimonials, music, discussions, speakers and workshops spread throughout the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn.
Hollywood actress and devout activist, Mia Farrow, joined guests and artists from Darfur and delivered the keynote address to a packed theatre. After highlighting the dire situation in Darfur, she focused on the position of China, hosts of what she dubbed the ‘Genocide Olympics’.
“As Khartoum’s largest and closest business partner, China has provoked outrage from the international community for underwriting genocide in Darfur. In recent months, Beijing has responded with steadily increasing talk about its commitment to promoting peace in the region. But it has taken no meaningful action,” she said.
Farrow supports the Dream for Darfur campaign, linking China’s Olympics to the ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Speaking on behalf of the US organisation, Farrow urged sponsors such as Adidas, Visa and Coca-Cola to back out: “Sponsors are supporting China’s efforts to position itself in glowing terms on the world stage. But they are silent about China’s role in the Darfur genocide, and in their silence, they are complicit.”
China, which is the biggest buyer of Sudan’s oil, has consistently rejected accusations it is worsening Darfur’s agony by supporting the Sudanese government. A representative from the Chinese Embassy in London said: “China plays a constructive role in the Darfur issue and this role can be seen by all.”
On July 31 this year, China took a step forward by joining a UN Security Council vote to authorize, under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the deployment of 26,000 civilian police and troops to Darfur.
22-year old, Emile James, a student from South London who attended the London event said: “Despite claims by China and Sudan that the situation in Darfur is improving, the evidence I have seen here today presents a very different picture. I think it’s wrong that a country that has such a tentative human rights record and faces such damaging accusations should be allowed to host the Olympics.”
The Role of an MP
WITH AN average of 67,000 people to represent on a daily basis, the job of a British Member of Parliament (MP) is an immense task. Every politician that takes on the role will tell you that no 24 hours is the same in the life of an MP, so what is it that makes such a vital occupation so unpredictable?
Putney’s Conservative MP, Justine Greening, described how she decides as the day develops what the most effective way to divide her time between Westminster and her constituency will be. Her day usually begins with surgeries where constituents come to her with problems such as immigration and transport issues, some of which may require urgent attention. “You have to gauge what is most important and balance that with all the other day-to-day practicalities that must be carried out as well as acting as a figurehead for the local area.”
Greening won her seat in 2005 and was appointed Shadow Minister for the Treasury in July, 2007. She is the Conservative’s youngest female MP but doesn’t see this as an obstacle. “Once someone has won a seat through public vote, you immediately gain the respect of the established MPs.”
Greening must spend significant time in Westminster participating in debates and voting on legislation, but she said she “focuses on working with residents to make sure views are listened to and acted upon.” If a constituent presents an issue that conflicts with party policy she said: “I have to decide what is in the best interest of the constituency. Whatever the situation, I maintain contact with the person involved and explain if and how the problem can be dealt with.”
Greening must also be aware of her Labour opposition candidate, Stuart King, who is rallying support since the loss of the Labour seat in 2005.
Mr. King spoke of three main tasks facing a candidate MP: “As leader, I have the role of a motivator and must ensure people become and remain active. Furthermore, I am the principal spokesman and figurehead for the party and must always be available for the public and media,” he said.
“The crucial part of my job is getting out there, visiting constituents and promoting campaign objectives. The most difficult part of the job is finding time to implement ideas and campaign objectives, while fulfilling a full time job,” he said. “The luxury an MP has is that they can dedicate themselves fully to their constituents, whereas the candidate has such a small time frame to work with.”
Halloween attack
A HUNT for a gang of Halloween-masked robbers is underway after a 21-year old woman was attacked on her way home from a fireworks party.
Three men surrounded the victim in an alleyway off Augustus Road, West Hill, as she walked to her East Putney residence shortly after 10pm, November 5.
One man held a screwdriver to her side and threatened to stab her unless she handed over all her valuables. The two other men then searched her and took her bag, including her mobile phone, wallet and camera, before running from the scene.
The woman quickly raised the alarm to passers-by on Augustus Road and Putney police arrived shortly after. She was taken to the station to give a statement and did not require any medical treatment.
“We are treating the robbery very seriously and appeal to anyone who may have seen the three men in the area on bonfire night” said a representative from Putney police.
Police have issued descriptions for the three men. The man with the screwdriver was black, wearing a dark hooded top with blue jeans. The second was also black, in a grey tracksuit with a hooded top wearing a gold sovereign ring. The third was white and wearing a black bomber jacket.
Anyone with information should contact Putney Police Sector Office on 020 7350 1122.
Open for Dogs
PETS COULD soon be accompanying their owners to work thanks to a campaign to give dogs freer access to shops and businesses.
The Kennel Club launched the campaign ‘Open For Dogs’ at the Discover Dogs exhibition at Earl’s Court on November 10 and 11. Stickers were distributed for local businesses to display in their windows, letting people know dogs are welcome.
43% of dog owners, taking part in a recent Kennel Club survey, are concerned about combining their work commitments with owning a dog. Just 11% of the people surveyed currently take their dog to work.
According to the health industry, dog ownership enhances your life by giving companionship, creating new relationships, bonding families, reducing stress levels, and increasing the amount of exercise taken.
“Millions of dog owners would benefit if more places allowed dogs – and so would the businesses. From cafes, restaurants and libraries to taxis, shops and offices. These are places we all go to, and need to go to, so why should dogs not be allowed to accompany us, as well behaved dog citizens?” said a Kennel Club spokesman.
Dog owner, Marshall Burns, who attended Discover Dogs said: “My dogs are the centre of my life: Always honest, never judgmental. A constant in a rapidly changing world. I can’t imagine life without them. ”The campaign has been met indifferently from local businesses.
A clothes shop owner on Putney High Street said: “I allow small dogs that are well trained into my shop. It depends on the type of dog and the type of shop. I wouldn’t put a sign in my window saying no dogs, what about dogs for the partially blind? On the other hand, I don’t think it’s safe to leave dogs outside shops in London.”
To request a sticker, and support the ‘Open for Dogs’ campaign, contact 0870 606 6750 or www.the-kennel-club.org.uk
Rush hour rage
AN ABUSIVE train attendant has enraged Putney commuters who insist his aggressive demeanour is a threat to their safety.
The South West Trains customer services attendant has been verbally abusing passengers travelling from Putney to Waterloo in the morning rush hour. He demands passengers to get on the train quickly and then proceeds to signal the driver to close the doors before all the people are on.
An online forum has been set up by an angry customer for people to vent their fury. Investment Banker, Anna Broadhurst, 32, said: ‘I heard him use the f-word to curse the passengers who do not board the train quickly enough. He starts blowing his whistle shouting, “are you all deaf – stand clear of the doors!” while passengers are still getting off the train. It always causes unnecessary panic which I fear will one day result in an accident‘.
The South West Train Customer Service website states: “All our employees, whether rail operators or customer service assistants, receive customer service training. Our courses are customer focused and stress the importance and impact employee attitude has on our passengers”.
Gordon Brown – 100 days in power
SINCE JUNE 27, there has been a mood of surprised satisfaction in Britain as Gordon Brown has assumed his responsibility as British prime minister with a revered calm in the face of several national crises.
One hundred days in and it appears his run of good press is beginning to wane as he comes under fire for hyping up what turned out to be a non-existent election. However, up to this weekend, the first chapter of the Brown era has reflected very positively on the Prime Minister, who has worked tirelessly at disassociating himself from 10 years of a Blair government.
So how is Brown paving the way for change and moving away from his predecessor? Many thought Brown would struggle to follow in the footsteps of Blair, a consummate political showman, but in the media spotlight, Brown has portrayed himself as a calm, collected and likable character. This composed style was a welcome change from the strident certainties of Blair but it is yet to be seen whether or not Brown can achieve a fresh political impact once he begins to implement his policies.
His initial and most symbolic step to date was his meeting with George Bush where he appeared to play down the ‘close relationship’ between the UK and US which Blair and Bush championed so often.
Since then, three key words have been prominent under the Brown regime: ‘change’, ‘vision’ and ‘Britain’. His quest to restore national pride conveniently combines with his promise that his government will listen more to the needs of the British citizen. His plans for constitutional reform have indicated that he believes the role of prime minister holds too much power; power he believes should be vested back into the British population.
Even though Brown is concerned with shaking off Blair’s legacy, his recent dwelling on whether or not to call an election has shown that he can be as equally cavalier with the concept of democracy. It will make us look again at why Brown drew attention to his calm authority in the face of bomb plots, flooding, foot and mouth out breaks and the Northern Rock crisis.
Despite all this, very little has been implemented which shows evidence of ‘change’ except a few sensible policy amendments. Now Parliament has been recalled, Brown finally has his opportunity to ‘change Britain’ and give the electorate the chance to find out whether or not Brown is a conviction politician or just a calculator.
Ruth Sharpe 
