Missing People calls out suffering as entertainment

This one's been a long time in the making: our entertainment menus are rammed with stories of violence and suffering - sometimes sensitively handled, and more often than not, in a spirit of the gorier the better. This 'Based on a True Story' campaign takes aim at the media's all-too-frequent sensationalist approach in this satirical footage mimicking 'pitches' for a TV show. Introducing a new Responsible Narratives Charter for creators, it illustrates how human tragedy has become increasingly commodified. Whilst someone is reported missing in the UK every 90 seconds, true crime consumption is at an all-time high, with 49% of Brits tuning in daily. UK charity Missing People, the organisation behind the campaign, says, “Every missing person deserves the attention they need in order to help them to find safety. But it has to be the right kind. The vast majority of the public and the media are supportive and want to help. However, when speculation becomes intrusive or personal, this can add significant pressure to families at a time when they are already going through the toughest moment of their lives. In some situations, the stigma can also make it harder for a missing person to want to reach out.” What do you think of the campaign footage - useful reminder to us all, or, won't be heard by those who most need to hear it?

Keywords: Missing People 'Based on a True Story', true crime entertainment v tragedy, disappearances, Responsible Narratives Charter, Sharon Horgan, Merman, BBH London