Media Perception of The Dave Hilton Trial
Media Perception of The Dave Hilton TrialMedia perception: the Dave Hilton Trial
Media is described as a means of communication. The main purpose of the media is to inform the public in an accurate, comprehensive and balanced manner about events of importance. This does not always take place. The mass media has developed more and more prejudice towards certain individuals. Dave Hilton Jr., a boxer of exceptional talent and charisma, has been charged with nine-sex related crimes, including two of sexual assault, two of sexual interference, and two of inviting sexual touching. Media is based on location and it is clear that this story has been reported through language, the amount of coverage, and the public sentiment towards the accused. The Toronto media has portrayed Hilton as a criminal whereas the Montreal media has defended its superstar.
Every story is based upon language. The vocabulary that the reporter uses to describe the crime, victim, and accused reflect the opinion of that particular reporter. The newspaper which will be printing the story decides which articles will be printed and therefor controls what the public will see. In the Hilton case, the Montreal media has describes Hilton as a “victim” and has defended its hero. They have argued that Hilton is being framed by two girls whose only motive for the accusations are financial. Every story uses different words to describe the events which took place. The Toronto media has used words like “rapist” and disgust” to describe Hilton. The image that the media portrays is the picture that the general public will form concerning a certain individual. In this case, it is clear that the Toronto public has shifted its support and defense of Hilton to criticism. After reading stories in the Toronto newspapers about Dave Hilton and the wild lifestyle that he lives, the public has judged him solely on the words that were used to describe him. This type of reporting varies with location as the Montreal media has describes Hilton as a victim and has used more compassionate words to describe the crimes. It could be said that the Montreal media has not reported the trial on strict facts and that the Toronto media has sensationalized the crime and the lifestyle of Hilton family.
Every media source determines how much coverage a particular story merits. These decisions are based on the events the public is more interested in reading and how many newspapers that particular story will sell. Today, the headlines on the front page are the ones which contain the most controversy. People walking by newsstands, or picking up the newspapers to glance at the headlines will be informed upon the events that the media has reported on the front page. Most of the headlines on the front page are in big text and are bolded. There has been a considerable media coverage difference in looking at the Hilton trial. The Toronto media has not made the trial a...
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