Sabine Mueller Puts Madeleine McCann Back On The Front Pages
MADELEINE McCann is back on the front pages. And the Sun is incensed at an “INSULT TO MADDIE MUM.”
“DESPICABLE,” says the Mirror’s front page, which has replaced yesterday’s Big Brother shock and sensation with news of Madeleine.
Both papers focus on Germany where Kate and Gerry McCann are conducting a press conference. German reporter Sabine Mueller has a question: “How do you feel that more and more people seem to imply that you might have something to do with it?”
This is a question more loaded that George Bush at a frat house party. The question does not need to be answered. But the McCanns are on the stage and will do whatever it takes to keep Madeleine in the public eye.
Kate replies: “I don’t think that’s the case.” Gerry adds: “There’s no way Kate and I are involved.”
To the Mirror and Sun this is an outrage. Although web forums and Anorak’s own comment pages are full of opinion and some antipathy towards the McCanns, to the caring red-tops the couple are beyond reproach.
And they are back on the front pages. The “German reporter’s sick questions to McCanns” (Sun) does not warrant an answer, neither does it deserve a place on the front pages. But it is there. And perhaps the McCanns are appreciative. With no news of Madeleine, no news of the criminal case, the papers need sensation to keep the story going. And Sabine Mueller has helped out.
The Mirror says the McCanns are “appalled” at the question. But are they? They answered with dignity. They kept their cool under pressure. Their eyes are on the big picture, their sole aim: the return of their daughter Madeleine.
Might it be that the Mirror is appalled on their behalf, speaking for them, putting into words what it imagines the McCanns are feeling? It needn’t bother. The McCanns are capable and intelligent talkers. In speaking on their behalf, telling us how they feel, the Mirror displays its empathy with the suffering parents. It does not show. It tells.
Meanwhile, the Express asks Mueller what she hoped to achieve by her question. “I was aware it was a difficult question but I felt it was a question that needed to be asked…. I do not want to hurt these people. I thought when he replied Gerry McCann was very calm.”
She continues: “If they keep staging press conferences they have to expect uncomfortable questions.”
And expect journalists to try and make a name for themselves and find a new angle to story that is in danger of running out of steam.
Posted: 7th, June 2007 | In: Tabloids Comments (45) | TrackBack | Permalink
