I believe it was Chris Cuomo at ABC that first covered Michael McCarty's story. ABC has actually covered a number of others cases as well, including one that same night about an American man whose ex-wife had abandoned their child at a convent in Italy. Another case was about an American woman whose daughter was abducted to Egypt (El-Goharry). I can't seem to find it right now, but some time back I had posted about the cases ABC covered - at least of those I had seen.
On the one hand, I think it's helpful that the networks highlight these individual cases because it gives the public some insight into the experience of left-behind parents in a more detailed way that most people can empathize with. That said, I agree that in the interest of accuracy and context, during the program they really ought to at least mention that these cases are part of a widespread problem. One yet to be properly addressed by the government.
About ratings, for sure the media makes choices based on ratings, but I don't think we should be lulled into believing that's all they're obligated to do. As long as they still consider themselves serious news organizations, they have a responsibility to hold the government to account, especially when it pertains to issues that are as profound and damaging as international child abduction.
For instance, media organizations will sometimes sue to gain access to information and the argument they often make is that it's in the public interest. Well, informing the public about this issue is also "in the public interest". It's not just time for that to happen - it's way past due for that to happen.
Something else I want to mention, there's a tenet within the journalistic code of ethics called the "harm limitation principle". I reminded CBS of this when they used the videotape of Sean's meeting with the Brazilian psychologist to promote their "interview" (a.k.a coffee klatch) with Silvana and company. Some of the elements within that principle are:
- Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
- Use special sensitivity when dealing with children
- Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
Seems to me they violated those principles. So anyway, I'm not posting that merely as an opportunity to bash CBS - this issue goes beyond any one news organization. My point is while I appreciate even this level of coverage, there needs to be way more done and as citizens in democratic countries we shouldn't be reticent to hold the media to some standards.
