Madeleine Media Circus

When people start to discuss why the Madeleine McCann case has become such global media phenomena it is worth considering why this story is different to the stories of other missing children stories.

The bottom line is that this story is very media friendly in terms of the circumstances of the disappearance'. The family were on holiday, which should be a very safe and relaxing time. The parents left the kids alone to have dinner which polarises people between those who have never done such a thing and feel outraged at their negligence and those that have, who want Madie found safe to offset their own guilt.

Then there is the fact this was a British family on holiday in Portugal, which ensured it would be a big story in those two countries and so more likely to be picked up by the media in other countries. Then you have the parents, both doctors, both very articulate and confident when talking to the press and willing to be interviewed. This has kept the media engaged right from the start.

As the story progressed there have been regular events to keep the media hanging on, like the parents meeting the Pope, the DNA evidence found in the flat and car and then the couple being named as suspects.

The depth of the tragedy, media circus and subsequent intrigue have made this feel more like a Hollywood movie being played out on the TV and in the press.

The only thing missing is a happy ending......