Did mainstream coverage fail Steubenville?

Mar 18

Web Only

Did mainstream coverage fail Steubenville?

Netizens react negatively to media reporting on Ohio rape case.

Screenshot of CNN coverage of Steubenville.

Two teens were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl known as 'Jane Doe' on Sunday. The boys, from the US state of Ohio, gained global notoriety after images and video of their crime went viral. The verdict was broadcast immediately on most major media outlets, and criticism of their perceived biases reverberated on social media. Many followed the case using #Steubenville, the name of the small town where the rape occurred.

View the story "Did mainstream coverage fail Steubenville?" on StorifyDid mainstream coverage fail Steubenville?Netizens react negatively to media reporting on Ohio rape case. Storified by The Stream· Mon, Mar 18 2013 11:59:46CNN evoked some of the strongest reaction from media critique sites, as well as social media for 'sympathising' with the convicted rapists.CNN grieves that guilty verdict ruined 'promising' lives of Steubenville rapistsTheSublimeDegreeShocking to see @CNN's @PoppyHarlowCNN and @crowleyCNN sympathize with #Steubenville's football players CONVICTED of rape.Sharky@CNN why do you have article "End rape culture in 2013" focussed on India Case, then perpetuate #rapeculture in USA #steubenville caseTonyCBut CNN was not the only outlet accused of misplacing the focus of its coverage.Dear @CNN @NBC @CBS @ABC @FOXNEWS - A GIRL WAS RAPED. YOU MAY WANT TO MENTION THAT IN YOUR COVERAGE OF A RAPE TRIAL. #steubenvilleDavid QuiltyNBC News and ABC News were both accused of giving primary importance to the role social media played in the verdict. NBC anchor Lester Holt stated, "In many ways, tonight stands as a cautionary tale to a generation that has come of age in the era of social networking." The following tweets are in reaction to ABC's social media focus:In intro her @Nightline piece on #Steubenville, @ElizabethVargas said it's "a cautionary tale for teenagers living in today’s digital world"Lauren Wolfe#Steubenville case does not illuminate the "dangers" of social media, unless the goal is to produce smarter, more discrete rapists.Jane McManusFox News was condemned for airing the name of the victim. Despite internet-wide anger towards mainstream media for giving diminished importance to the victim, some Twitterati felt there wasn't enough emphasis on the role 'Jane Doe' allegedly played in the rape. Testimony revealed the night was filled with heavy drinking. @JessicaValenti there is never any justification for an act of sexual assault, in this case the victim's conduct made this crime possible.Tyrus Moulderpublicshaming.tumblr.compublicshaming.tumblr.compublicshaming.tumblr.comSTAJstreamOthers felt that 'Jane Doe' was being victimised for a second time. Dudes: Believing women should be able to get drunk w/o being raped is not a radical feminist plot - just the expectation of human decency.Jessica ValentiThe victim-blaming, slut-shaming reactions to the #Steubenville rape case keep pouring in... http://tmblr.co/ZPH5vtgW5H18Matt Binder#Steubenville STOP BLAMING THE VICTIM. Even if a girl drinks and passes out every day, if there was no rapist, there would be no rape.Hannah Le#Steubenville This victim-blaming should inspire rage in men: it portrays you all as rapists-in-waiting. #travesty #rape #doublestandardTamarind Lemur