AOB4 - (Music Press) Representation

Music Press Representation

An artiste can be represented in many different ways and for different outcomes. The press generally is to inform the reader of current events and stories of common interest. As controversial and emotionally removed as journalists can be, personal opinions can still be reflected, changing the point of view and objective of the article completely. Sometimes these opinions are displayed on purpose, therefore it would be logical for these publications to be delivered to an audience of similar views and opinions.

A day before Stephen Gately’s funeral, in November 2009, an article was released in the Daily Mail by journalist Jan Moir, stating scepticism of the official ruling of the Boyzone singers death. The article was centered around Gately’s homosexuality, and his lifestyle, suggesting that his death was something more than just of ‘natural causes’. The 33 year old man died in his sleep after a night partying with his partner and a young man which accompanied them back to their apartment. Moir also points out the common story of young celebrities coming to a tragic end due to their lifestyles, suggesting substance abuse was to blame in most cases.

Jan Moir’s article created huge uproar within the press and on social media websites, along with complaints bombarding the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) at the highest rate ever recorded, crashing company servers. She was accused of homophobia, insensitivity to Stephen Gately’s family and inaccuracies of the facts within her article as she disregarded official medical professionals rulings and came up with her own interpretation of this man’s death. Celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Derren Brown and Charlie Brooker voiced their disgust at Moir, with Fry and Brown posting their state of appall over twitter, and Brooker writing an article in the Independent, slating Moir’s incorrect representation of the tragic death of Stephen Gately. Moir stated that her criticisms in her article were not from a homophobic viewpoint, but that she was merely stating Gately’s lifestyle choices of drug use and casual invitation of a stranger into the couples home. This was, however, not the first time that Moir has been pulled up for displaying homophobic views on public figures, for example Peter Mandelson. It was apparent to the public that these underlying homophobic views were not simply a case of misunderstanding. Moir also went on to claim that the natural cause of death (being a hereditary heart problem) was just a sweet cover up for a more bitter truth. This led to insensitivity complains towards Gately’s family and close friends.

The Daily Mail and the Independent appeal to different audiences and readers. The Daily Mail’s views on illegal drug use and homosexuality meant that the article seemed to contain underlying supportive ideas to these issues, with the main audience presumably supporting this as it supported their own views and ideas. Once the backlash from this article started, the Independent would have seen this as an opportunity to voice its criticism and opinions, therefore appealing to their own audience and those who were also appalled by Moir’s article.