Kidnapping case has nation's attention
News crews are gathered in S.L. to cover story
By Pat Reavy
Deseret News staff writer
The war on terrorism, a slumping economy and stock market, World Cup soccer, the NBA Finals. . . . The national media have had a lot to cover this week. So, why have television networks and newspapers from across the country dispatched crews to cover the abduction of a Salt Lake teenager?
"The idea that a guy took a young girl from her bedroom in the middle of the night," said Jennifer Mitol from ABC Chicago. "It's so horrendous and so unbelievable."
Police say news briefings and media exposure concerning the abduction of Elizabeth Smart have increased calls to their tip line.
Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News
"This one is just sad," concurred Alicia Acuna, a reporter with Fox News Channel.
Within hours of 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart's disappearance early Wednesday and startup of the massive search effort in the foothills above her Federal Heights house, reporters and producers from New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles began assembling crews to fly to Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake police detective Dwayne Baird said that over the past three days he has received calls from MSNBC, CNN, "Inside Edition," Newsweek, People and from the producers of Brokaw, Rather and Jennings, just to name a few.
"America's Most Wanted" has been in Salt Lake City almost from day one filming, Baird said.
The police department's public information team has received several calls a day from the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and radio stations in Boston and Philadelphia.
 Elizabeth Smart flier Larger versions: Printable PDF file - or - JPG image |
The inquiries and interviews don't bother law enforcement, and the exhausted and emotionally drained members of the Smart family have been pleased to accommodate.
Indeed, they and the media know the exposure could help bring Elizabeth back safely and the alleged abductor to justice.
"While these types of stories are often some of the most troubling that we cover, the role of the media in a case can be helpful," "Today" show producer Allison Gollust said.
Police admit they average a phone call a minute to their tip line every time a news briefing is broadcast.
The Deseret News has received e-mails from all over the world from people who have heard of the Smart kidnapping and want to either give their best wishes to the family or get information on how they can distribute fliers in their area. A woman from Italy sent an e-mail to her friends that translated said, "Pray that she will be found safely."
An e-mail from a resident of Oklahoma said Elizabeth Smart's flier has been posted at a major truck stop in the region.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com