The Media
Contact the local press and inform them of your new website / campaign.
The chances are that if they followed the case, they will be interested in this new development.
The prisoner’s character would have been very damaged by the press during the investigation, it’s time to turn this round and show the public the other side of the coin.
Try to build a rapport with your local journalists, meet with them if you can and discuss the case and what they can do to help.
Journalists are aware of Miscarriages of Justice so try and make them see the consequences their words can have on someone. They are the people’s voices.
“Bad hair day” pictures of the Prisoners may have been published during the trial, the worst they look; the better the impact, try and show other photos on your website and contribute new ones to the press.
Always make sure that journalists are going to write an unbiased article, give you a chance to make a fresh start with the case, don’t be afraid to negotiate and only offer input if they are prepared to work with you, not make the situation worse.
Note: Whatever journalists say they can help, so if they are not willing to do so, move on, don’t settle for just anything just to get the case back in the news. Remember that it can be very damaging for the prisoner and for you.
Spend time on the internet when you can and look for anyone you think might help you, there are many investigative journalists specialising on miscarriages of justice out there waiting to write about your case! Private Eye is always a good one.
Remember you are not alone and these people have a lot of experience.
Some journalists may want to visit the prisoner (possibly undercover), this is fine and it will help them make a better assessment of the situation, particularly the investigative ones.
Unfortunately or not, the press is very much about sensationalism, most cases are and therefore are of interest; don’t let your prisoner’s wrong conviction be the last thing people hear about them.
Contact your local radio station; they may want to talk to you about the case.
Not many television programs are dedicated to MOJ anymore if any; be aware of people’s motives if they approach you about making a documentary on your case.
Don’t just trust anyone and make sure that you will be involved every step of the way, some journalists have their own agendas and unless they are prepared to make a program to “highlight” the inadequacies of the case and you are 100% sure of the format and have a say on the outcome, don’t agree to anything.
Don’t sell yourself and the Prisoner short for the sake of having something on TV, there will always be another offer, especially as your campaign gathers momentum… it may be about sensationalism, but the bottom line is that this is about someone life.
There may be smaller companies out there interested in MOJ, look for them.
Explore possibilities such as Media students, contact Universities and remember; if you don’t ask you don’t get.
Keep in mind that the Prisoner doesn’t need anymore bad press; I personally do not believe that “it’s all good as long as it’s out there”.
Work with people who have integrity and don’t be defeatist; a lot of people enjoy their work and are passionate about what they do, take your time and look for the best.
Always keep in mind the victim (of the crime) and their family, however try not to let emotions get in the way of your campaigning, remember that an innocent person is in prison and that just because the police has done a good job of convincing the victim’s family and most of the public, it’s not to say that they are right.
This isn’t a personal fight, you are campaigning against a wrong conviction, don’t engage in vendettas and damage yours or anyone’s reputation.
Someone is responsible for every crime but we have to make sure that the right person is in prison.
