Between the Chapters Book Club discussion

In Those Empty Eyes, the media plays a large role in how Alex's trial is perceived by the public. To what degree do you think the media plays a role in making the public believe in a person's guilt or innocence?

- Admin SL

I definitely think a story can be told from a certain point of view, bringing out only certain facts, to make a person look guilty or innocent.

I don't think we ever get the full story or both sides to a story. And everyone is going to have a bias one way or the other that will come out in the reporting whether consciously or not.

I think the have a very big influence on getting a story out fast before even they have all the facts. Sensation sells a story and too often they sell it to make the most out of it.

These points are so true - my favorite saying there are three sides to every story.... his side, her side, and the truth! -Admin KM

Kensington wrote: "These points are so true - my favorite saying there are three sides to every story.... his side, her side, and the truth! -Admin KM"

Yaassss! This is my saying too.

Media can limit the lens we see a story through. It choses the characters we hear from and the side we see. False news stories can be hard to correct in the publics eye. Think of school days and rumors. Even when we later learn the truth the gossip still stands out in our memories because it tends to be more sensational. I think media can have a positive impact too in getting information to the public early and quickly to mass numbers to encourage support for victims.

Ashley wrote: "Media can limit the lens we see a story through. It choses the characters we hear from and the side we see. False news stories can be hard to correct in the publics eye. Think of school days and ru..."

Such a good point! The media really focuses on finding the right "angle" to sell a story - I don't trust any one source, it's so important to do your own research! - Admin KM