Paper Summary:

This paper examines four different media outlets' treatment of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich's scandal, covering the similarities and differences among the articles. It further analyzes the articles and their impact on the crime. Additionally, the paper considers the efficacy of Blagojevich going to the media to tell his story. First, the paper looks at a local Chicago newspaper article about the scandal. Then, it analyzes two national articles, one from a newspaper and the other from an Internet website. Finally, the paper takes a look at an article from the UK's Guardian. The paper concludes by stating that white-collar offenders, especially those who are famous, should think twice about running to the media for help now that they have seen what the media did with Blagojevich.

Outline:

Similarities and Differences in Four articles Regarding the Blagojevich Scandal
Implications

From the Paper:

"In this instance, the accused criminal, Blagojevich, went to the media seeking mercy. He did not find it. For this reason, I do not think the street between crime of this nature and the media is necessarily two-way. Media attention of this sort does not encourage the type of high profile, white-collar crime that politicians and executives often commit. Instead, as these articles have suggested, it makes the perpetrator look even more absurd for thinking the media will be sympathetic. Thus, in this case, the media serves as a cure to the crime. Blagojevich's reputation has been ruined; the media has solidified his crimes; media outlets have made fun of him; they have suggested that the future will be brighter with Pat Quinn in office."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Blagojevich's Tangled Web: A Who's Who of Illinois Politics." (2008. Dec. 11). Retrieved March 1, 2009, from Fox News. Web Site: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/11/blagojevichs-tangled-web/
• Gibson, Ray. (2009, Feb. 26). Guity plea in probe of Blagojevich era. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from The Chicago Tribune. Web Site: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-hurtgen-guilty-25-feb26,0,7618474.story
• "Late night chat host David Letterman grills Rod Blagojevich." (2009, Feb. 4). Retrieved March 1, 2009, from The Guardian. Web Site: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/04/rod-blagojevich-david-letterman
• Wills, Christopher. (2009, Feb. 28). After turmoil, new Ill. gov. stresses diplomacy. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the Associated Press. Web Site: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVNAcA-xtCA6PKQ8h5s7dBlD_BKwD96KF3DG0

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