Den Haag to the Moon

I was flipping around the channels on Friday when the news broke of Martha Stewart's conviction on four counts of Being a Big Fat Liar. I saw it on CNN, still sans audio (despite my constant badgering of the landlady, Ms. Tough, to fix the problem). Of course I didn't need sound to see what had happened. The overactive graphics department was in hyperdrive, with flashing banners and scrolling sentences. The words pretty much said it all. There was nothing for Deb to add, though it was clear she was flapping her gums like mad.

Nevertheless, I started looking round on my sounded news channels (mainly BBC World) for more information. I flipped one down, to channel three. Nothing. I flipped back a half hour later. Still nothing. It took at least an hour for BBC World, essentially a 24-hour news channel, to even mention the convictions on its air. And then, it was to cut to a live shot of a confused-looking producer-type standing in front of the courthouse explaining ... the intricacies of the American legal system? ... the standard range for such a series of crimes? Neither. He spent at least 10 minutes explaining to the UK audience exactly who Martha Stewart is and making the case, pleading almost, that the news was important. He didn't even seen persuaded of the fact himself.