BBC Newsnight Child Abuse Scandal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20336037

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/nov/10/bbc-newsnight-crisis-live

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/917975-lord-mcalpine-false-newsnight-child-abuse-claims-bad-for-the-soul

A Newsnight investigation broadcast on November 2 said a senior Tory figure was involved in abuse at the Bryn Estyn children's home.

Although the programme did not name Lord McAlpine, he was subsequently named on blogs and social media sites such as Twitter.

The false allegations have already led to the resignation of BBC director general George Entwistle and followed heavy criticism for the corporation and Newsnight over a dropped investigation into claims of child abuse against Jimmy Savile.

 

This links to new and digital media as it shows the the extent of damage it can make. Even though these alligations were false, people - without proof - took to expressing and spreading their thoughts on the matter via the internet. Due to the fact that Twitter and social newtworking sites have become an everyday part of peoples lives - people publish things without much thought thinking it wont come to much. However, as a vast majority of people use them, it is able to spread news or rumors fast. This is them difficult for people to intervene or meidate the story whether it be true or not.