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Mediawatch

Midweek: Polkinghorne preoccupation & problem podcasts 

Sep 25, 2024
The podcast dives into the media's handling of the Polkinghorne trial, questioning the use of terms like 'cleared' versus 'not guilty.' It critiques ethics in reporting high-profile cases and the tension between sensationalism and responsibility. The challenges of navigating legal threats in media coverage are also explored. There's a heated discussion on the fallout from controversial podcast remarks and their implications for free speech, as well as a look at RNZ's decision to pull a podcast episode over editorial concerns.
24:40

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the critical importance of precise terminology in courtroom reporting, especially in the context of the Polkinghorne trial's nuanced verdict.
  • It also explores the ethical challenges faced by media in covering high-profile trials, particularly concerning the restriction on discussing sensitive topics like suicide methods.

Deep dives

Terminology in Legal Verdicts

The discussion highlights the importance of precise terminology used in court cases, particularly concerning the Polkinghorne trial. The distinction between being 'found not guilty' and 'cleared' is underscored, with experts suggesting that the term 'cleared' can mislead the public about the nature of the verdict. In this case, the jury did not necessarily believe the victim committed suicide, which further complicates the implications of the verdict. Accurate language in courtroom reporting is essential to convey the nuanced realities of legal outcomes and the complexities of the cases presented.

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