Why are sightings of Madeleine McCann being reported in the media?

Question

Surely, it makes sense to even a lay person, that such sightings should be kept top secret information by the investigative authorities who should then zero in on the leads to find the missing child.

Descriptive accounts in the media detailing the when & where & how the child was spotted would only give the abductor a peek into the investigations perspective & he could easily disappear with the child again.

i don't get it.

Surely, even the media realise that the safety of a child is more important than its stories?

Answer 1

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Read my question please.

Answer 2

I think we are hearing about the sightings because the Portugese police have handed over all their files and we are just finding out about them now.  

I think at the time the sightings were reported, we didnt hear about them so that they could be followed up without outside influence.

Answer 3

It gives them something to write about is all.

Answer 4

Public attention and money!!

Answer 5

Hi Faith,

I think that Col du Galibier's answer is correct.

And I know that I'm nit-picking, but why do you say 'he'?

Answer 6

I doubt if these sightings would be published unless Mr Mitchell gave the go ahead.  The papers get the releases and if the source has pull - they are published.  He must feel its in the McCann best interests to have them published - or he would put a stop to it.  Also, it's August, the traditional month for rubbish headlines and fairy tales.  Loch Ness monster etc.  

Answer 7

hi faith,

for once we agree, the media have been making millions on the back of this child and any one who pays for these media sourses are supporting these evil money making scams

Answer 8

Of course the media realise that but staying quiet does not earn them money.

Answer 9

It keeps our attention focused, nobody wants to forget a child going missing and closing the case only frustrates the masses, we like answers and when we don't get them, we can't let go.

If it wasn't reported then who's to say that we are bothered?

I personally like to be reminded and appreciate the reports, while ever there's hope.

I understand your frustration of 'giving the game away' but a member of the public is far more likely to perform a rescue attempt than a policeman!

Answer 10

People just jumping on the band wagon and wanting their bit of fame, I remember many years ago when I was just a small child there was this Lord Lucan chap who apparently killed his house keeper or something then went on the run, I can remember for years that there were so called "sightings" of him, yet he never was found.  I think these "sightings" of Madeleine are the same, if someone reports "seeing" Madeleine, then they should be given a lie detector test to determine weather they genuinely believe they have seen her or not.  I agree that it is daft putting these reports of "sightings" in the newspapers, but unfortunately I don't think it will make a lot of difference as i don't think she is likely to be found after all this time.

Answer 11

How many millions of little girls her age look exactly the same?  Every time there is another development reported in the media immediately dozens of people have "seen" her. Rubbish

Answer 12

Because people are making money out of these so called sightings by selling their story's to the papers. They know there is a Market in the UK for this story and they are exploiting the poor child to gain money :)

Answer 13

because that person from belgium dont read english newspaper.