The Media Flashcards
What was the impact of the Ripper murders on newspapers?
They were an opportunity for the newspapers to sell copies
The murders led to sensationalized stories to attract readers.
How many daily newspapers were competing in London during the Ripper murders?
13 daily newspapers printed in the morning and 9 evening newspapers
This fierce competition fueled sensationalism in reporting.
What was a common issue with the witness accounts reported by the press?
Many details and stories were exaggerated or made up
Journalists relied on witnesses gathered at crime scenes, leading to inaccuracies.
What false claim was made about Annie Chapman’s rings?
They were claimed to have been arranged at the feet of her body
In reality, the rings were ripped from her fingers and never found.
What was the significance of Matthew Packer’s false witness report?
It was printed by the Evening News despite being rejected by the police
This illustrates the press’s role in spreading misinformation.
How many women are typically considered Ripper victims?
6 women
They were killed by similar, unusual methods.
How many women were murdered in the East End between April 1888 and February 1891?
11 women
Newspapers often reported other murders as new Ripper cases.
What was the effect of the rumors printed by newspapers on police investigations?
They led to dead ends and suspects going into hiding
This hampered the effectiveness of police work during the investigation.
Who was John Pizer, and what happened to him?
A Jewish cobbler known as ‘Leather Apron’ who was falsely accused and arrested
He had an alibi and was released, but the accusation hindered police efforts.
How did the press portray the police during the Ripper case?
As incompetent
Cartoons and sensational stories contributed to this negative image.
What was the nature of the letters published by the press?
They were from people claiming to be the murderer
One letter signed ‘Jack the Ripper’ contributed to the killer’s notoriety.
True or False: The press published letters signed by ‘Jack the Ripper’ at the request of the police.
True
The hope was that these letters might lead to clues in the investigation.
What was the general public’s perception of the police during the Ripper murders?
It seemed incredible that the police had not caught the killer
This perception was fueled by sensationalized press coverage.
Fill in the blank: The Ripper murders led to fierce competition among _______ newspapers in London.
daily
