Public Feel Diana Coverage Was Over-Hyped

Research conducted by CIA MediaLab released today shows that the over half those surveyed (54%) believed there had been too much media coverage of the events surrounding Princess Diana’s death. Despite this 79% felt that the death of Diana had been covered in a sensitive manner. 56% of the 500 people questioned felt that television and radio stations went too far in their reaction to the tragedy by replacing schedules with continuous news or only playing downbeat music.

The results of the Sensor survey also illustrate a strong hypocrisy present in the newspaper buying public: 52% of those questioned said they would continue to buy publications even if they continued to include the kind of intrusive pictures which may have led to Diana’s accident. This despite the fact that 95% agree that the press conduct in covering the lives of high profile figures is unacceptable.

Half those surveyed believed that broadcasters should suspend all advertising during such a public event and 79% thought advertisers, rather than broadcasters, were responsible for withdrawing any sensitive advertisements.

CIA Sensor is a monthly survey of 500 adults into their use and opinions of media and advertising.

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