THE ALLISON
BADEN-CLAY MURDER MYSTERY
Annotated
Bibliography
Wolper, A. 2011, "Trial by
Media", Editor &
Publisher, vol. 144, no. 10,
pp. 22-23,35.
Author, Allan
Wolper, is a professor of journalism at Rutgers University, and the host of
"Conversations with Allan Wolper" a podcast on WBGO.org, an NPR
affiliate in the New York area. Wolper has won over 50 journalism prizes and
his ethics columns in Editor & Publisher) have been honoured by The
National Press Club and the New York chapter of the Society of Professional
Journalists (Wolper, 2011) . These accomplishments suggest that the author
is both experienced and a reliable source on the topic of ‘professional media,
journalism, and communication’ (the article appears to come from education, not
pure opinion). Wolper’s journal article discusses the notion of ‘trial by
media’ – a concept which focuses on professional media influencing the outcome
of a legal case through the extensive coverage of an incident from one
particular angle. Wolper presents the reader with many examples where ‘trial by
media’ has been apparent. Citing such
cases, the author strengthens the credibility of the journal article and adds
weight to his argument. Despite such
references, however, the strongly opinionated and biased viewpoint from which
the article has been written cannot be ignored.
Unknown (Writer). (2012, May 21). Murder Twist [Visual News Report]. Brisbane:
A Current Affair. Retrieved from http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8470880/murder-twist
The ‘Murder
Twist’ report, broadcast by Channel Nine network’s ‘A Current Affair’ program, appears
as an update on the murder case of Queensland mother, Allison Baden-Clay. The report confirms the murder of Baden-Clay but
states that no cause of death has yet been released. The ‘investigation’ focuses on recent
evidence that suggests that Gerard Baden-Clay, husband of the deceased, was
having an affair with a work colleague whilst Allison was alive. The report has been designed to encourage
audiences to question the motives of the husband and his lover. An interview
during the report delivers audiences the following line: “everyone has got a
theory and everyone is playing this game of ‘murder mystery’.” The report challenges the audience to ‘solve
the mystery’. The journalist goes on to state
that “a mum of three young girls disappears, police say it’s murder and that
her killer is someone that she knew. Now
a picture emerges of a marriage in turmoil.”
Footage is then shown of Gerard Baden-Clay entering a police station for
questioning. Interviews with members of
the public highlight how the case affects ‘normal people’. When partnered with the emotive music that is
played throughout the report and the increasingly negative portrayals of Allison’s
husband, Gerard, the intentions of ‘A Current Affair’ are clear. Although the media text presents a factual
report to its audience, the information is carefully selected to play on
particular audience emotions in order to generate the desired reaction. The source is heavily biased, unreliable as a
primary source, and demonstrates ‘trial by media’ in action.
Baskin, B. (2012, May
21). Police continue inquiry into Allison Baden-Clay's
murder despite having suspect. The
Courier-Mail, p. 8.
Brooke
Baskin, author of The Courier-Mail article, presents an accurate recount of the
known information in the case of murdered mother of three, Allison Baden-Clay.
The article is concise, contains neither bias nor opinion, and achieves its
purpose – to inform its audience. Although no credentials or professional
history can be found for the author, Baskin, her employment at The Courier-Mail
and publication of her article suggests that the information is accurate and
reliable. This article corroborates with
the A Current Affair report to an extent, but does not share its opinionated
view and accusatory angle. The article
does not promote the ‘trial by media’ concept but supports the position of professional
media, communication, and journalism within society.
Davies, L. (2012, May 5). Friend of murdered woman laments: 'She told me things,
I should have done more'. The Sydney Morning
Herald. Retrieved from http://www.smh.com.au/national/friend-of-murdered-woman-laments-she-told-me-things-i-should-have-done-more-20120504-1y489.html
Looking
deeper into the increasingly complicated murder of Allison Baden-Clay, Lisa
Davies, author of The Sydney Morning Herald article, presents a gossip-styled
article stating that “behind the manicured lawns of Brisbane’s western suburbs,
the locals can’t stop talking.” The
article begins emotionless – looking at the insidious events of the past month
with nothing more than superficial interest and the possibility of ‘juicy
gossip’. “It’s an irresistible topic,
murder. But it usually happens somewhere else, to people not from around here,”
Davies’ writes. The author has
manipulated quotes from Allison’s close friends in an attempt to draw in
readers (the title, for example, is taken out of context). Like the video report by A Current Affair,
Davies’ article places focus on the likelihood of the police naming husband,
Gerard Baden-Clay, as a suspect. “Officers have refused to rule out anyone as a suspect....... While
detectives are publicly keeping their options open about a suspect as one of
her closest loved ones, Mr Baden-Clay is automatically under scrutiny”, she
reports. A greater emphasis is placed on
highlighting Gerard Baden-Clay’s behaviour before the discovery of his wife’s
body. He is described as “a bundle of
hand-wringing nerves, tears not quite visible”.
The bias and intended angle is obvious is Lisa Davies’ article. All professional media texts corroborate with one
another, in spite of differing authors, mediums, and news organisations. The intentions of the media is clear, and
they are supported by Allen Wolper’s academic journal article. Despite negative connotations surrounding
the accuracy, legitimacy, and reliability of modern journalism, a common angle amongst
mediums cannot be ignored.
Reference
List
Baskin, B. (2012, May
21). Police continue inquiry into Allison Baden-Clay's
murder despite having suspect. The
Courier-Mail, p. 8.
Davies, L. (2012, May 5). Friend of murdered woman laments: 'She told me things,
I should have done more'. The Sydney Morning
Herald. Retrieved from
Unknown (Writer). (2012, May 21). Murder Twist [Visual News Report]. Brisbane:
A Current Affair. Retrieved from http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8470880/murder-twist
Wolper, A. 2011, "Trial by
Media", Editor &
Publisher, vol. 144, no. 10,
pp. 22-23,35.
