Interesting (and long) article from TalkLeft about how the media convicts high profile defendents because “guilt sells.” Here’s an excerpt:

We also believe, on the basis of information in the public domain, including court filings, that Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, Michael Skakel, Louise Woodward and the parents of JonBenet Ramsey are innocent.

So why do so many people believe they are guilty? Because guilt sells. The media runs with guilt. Remember how the media convicted Gary Condit? Yet, he was innocent of the murder of Chandra Levy. The media convicted Richard Jewell in the Atlanta bombings case. He was innocent.

Think of all the innocent people released from prison after 20 years for crimes they didn’t commit. Can you remember one of their names? Not likely. The media reports their release and unless they become activists, never mentions them again. The media focuses on the guilty because guilt sells.

Guilt sells. What a sad statement of affairs for a country whose criminal justice system is grounded in the presumption of innocence.

Do you believe OJ did it? How about Kobe?

Another thing… I think the media approaches different crimes differently… everyone likes a good jealous murder story. It’s also harder to vilify a murder victim than a rape victim… The media seems to be taking a pass on the whole Kobe thing. He gets honored (at least on ESPN) for making it back to a playoff game after a morning appearance in court (which is exhausting… sitting in a luxury car for a few hours, hoooo boy). I don’t know if he’s guilty or not, but I know that the fact that he’s shuttling back and forth shouldn’t be a reason to admire him.

I’m not sure what the solution is, though… On one hand, the media is providing a service educating viewers about the impact of a particular motion or the nuances of tactics. On the other hand, they often go beyond reporting and educating by speculating.