The Wire

When ordinary people want to change the legal system, getting mainstream media coverage is crucial, but that path can be fraught with danger. A new Australian book looks at 12 people who used the media to lobby for change, after feeling the judicial system had treated them unfairly. Called “Catalyst” the book was written by journalist and author Madonna King. King says the media has a very mixed record on dealing with legal issues – sometimes seen as populist and dangerous, at other times, viewed as a champion for the under dog. Rebecca Armitage reports.