I consider myself a First Amendment addict. When the class turned its attention to the Simpson trial, the discussion got a little more heated than usual. But even there, Fromson contends that cameras in the courtroom may have been a great benefit. And suddenly people are getting a look at what reality is. Because of the scope and shocking nature of the charges, the trial received intense national publicity.
Indictment illustrates the media feeding-frenzy that enveloped the trial.
It shows reporters physically knocking down defense attorneys, broadcasting unsubstantiated claims of abuse and, in one case, engaging in a clandestine affair with a key prosecution witness. Watching the film, the USC students responded with gasps and shocked outbursts at the media's behavior. Despite the white-hot media flame that illuminated the case, no one was ever convicted of child abuse or any other charge. According to Rosenberg, who has covered the media for the last two decades, TV reporters and the quality of TV news are getting worse. TV news has gotten faster because of the technology.