Should some media be off-limits?

It’s easy to dismiss some media outlets. There are plenty of media options out there that are, at best, dubious and, at worst, downright despicable — especially for those of us working in sensitive or complex areas, where caution about who tells the story is entirely justified. (I say this a previous network publicist for Today Tonight.)

Still, there are exceptions.

Last week, I became aware that A Current Affair was covering an issue of direct relevance to Sexual Assault Services Victoria, a client of mine. I alerted my client, expecting something awful.

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.

The story examined the fact that defence lawyers can subpoena the counselling and medical notes of victim-survivors during legal proceedings — a practice that creates one more reason for victim-survivors to avoid pressing charges. It can also add to the humiliation victim-survivors often experience.

The report centred on the experience of activist and journalist Nina Funnell, alongside several other victim-survivors describing what this process can feel like. The reporter drew on Nina’s petition fighting this legal practice and highlighted concerns about some sexual assault services being unwilling to challenge subpoenas, including Project Respect.

For the record, sexual assault services in Victoria do contest them at great effort. For years, SASVic has campaigned to keep counselling and medical notes of victim-survivors confidential and beyond the reach of defence subpoenas during court cases.

Details aside, my initial fears were quickly allayed. The segment was reasonably well-rounded: sympathetic, responsible and notably clear in its moral framing. It included no perspective from the legal community.

Host Ally Langdon openly expressed anger with the status quo.

Would I approach A Current Affair with a story?

As of last week: most unlikely.

Now: maybe. And maybe you should too. They do, after all, reach a very large audience: 1,128,000 on one night last week.A side note:

Sidenote:

The worst experience I ever had as a publicist was with A Current Affair.

My client was a mentalist who debunks ‘psychics’ including John Edwards who was then white hot and is still touring the globe.

A mentalist appears to possess supernatural powers but in reality uses the power of suggestion and sleight of hand, so is perfectly placed to expose frauds.

Anyhow the reporter was a believer and did NOT appreciate any debunking.

Oh – the reporter was also high on drugs.

Anyhow…I digress.