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'Magaluf Girl' coverage, White Dee, the reporting of historic child sex abuse allegations

The tabloid coverage of 'Magaluf Girl' - responsible journalism or 'slut-shaming'? White Dee on Benefits Street and investigative reporting of child sexual abuse allegations.

A viral video of public sex acts filmed in a Magaluf nightclub recently emerged in the mainstream media. The coverage has prompted some commentators to cry misogyny and exploitation by the media and others to lambast the girl in question, not only for promiscuity but naivety in the digital age. To discuss public interest versus prurience by Eleanor Mills, Sunday Times Editorial Director and Chair of Women in Journalism campaign group, and Neil Wallis, former Deputy Editor of the News of the World.

Channel 4's documentary series 'Benefits Street' prompted a storm of protest when it first aired six months ago. Over nine hundred people complained to OFCOM accusing the channel of 'broadcasting poverty porn', demonising the poor and the unemployed, stigmatising children and showing people how to shoplift. Channel 4 has been cleared by OFCOM of breaching broadcasting guidelines. The central character of the series White Dee (Deidre Kelly) is now a household name - and never out of the tabloid newspapers. Steve talks to her about whether she regrets taking part in the series and reflects on her own experience of the media.

The Home Secretary, Theresa May has appointed the head of the NSPCC, Peter Wanless, to lead an investigation into the handling of documents relating to child abuse allegations around Westminster in the 1980s. She also announced a panel inquiry into whether public bodies and other important institutions have failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse. Mark Watts, Editor-in-Chief of the online investigation site Exaro joins Steve to talk about their reporting of the issue and whether the two new investigations will get to the truth.

Producer: Dianne McGregor.

Available now

25 minutes

Chapters

  • The reporting of historic child abuse allegations

    Mark Watts, Editor-in-Chief of Exaro talks about their coverage.

    Duration: 06:28

  • 'White Dee'

    Dee Kelly talks about C4's Benefits Street and reflects on her experience of the media.

    Duration: 07:52

  • Tabloid coverage of 'Magaluf Girl' story

    With Eleanor Mills, Chair of Women in Journalism and ex dep senior editor Neil Wallis

Broadcast

  • Wed 9 Jul 2014 16:30

Podcast