Media - A Paradox

GF is has a deep seated unease regarding the media. Like most, he has an insatiable appetite for news, wants it current, and wants it now! However, he also wants it to be accurate, and responsible.
Today's incident in London, where plain clothes officers shot a person at Stockwell, has brought this into focus. GF wanted to know what was going on. The BBC eventually found and interviewed an eye witness who recounted the whole tale, as he saw it. What troubles GF though, is the concern that should there ever be a criminal proceedings^**,

• could this person appear as a witness?


• Would his testimony be accepted in court?


• Would the slightest variation from the interview be picked on by the jackals lawyers as unreliability?


• Is it right that the media interview these eye-witnesses before the police?

GF doesn't know the answers, but has a general feeling of disquiet.
^**After all, the police are bound to be prosecuted by some bleeding-heart who was more concerned for the victim than the potential victims of a possible suicide bombing.

[File under: Media]