Don't get me wrong, I have the deepest of sympathy for the awful abduction of the little girl, Madeline, in Portugal.

However, it got me thinking about how the press operate in this country- specifically what motivates them to follow this story and make it front-page news. Particularly when there are systematic and brutal human rights abuses happening in the UK that go unreported- and beyond to China, Africa and elsewhere. Why would the press decide to highlight the abduction of one girl?

The first thing that came to mind is that it sells newspapers. It resonates with the majority of the country, because we have all been or are children or parents. We all relate to it. Therefore people are going to sympathise with the subject matter and buy the paper.

Secondly, I thought that the subject matter is simple to follow. Getting to the bottom of the issue is relatively straightforward to cover. Getting to the bottom of the issue does not require intellect in the way that, say, human trafficking takes. Therefore as a journalist it is easy to cover, and as a reader it is easy to read.

Thirdly, it is an 'open and shut' issue. It is highly likely that this matter will be resolved one way or the other within, say two weeks, which is pretty much the attention span of an editor. Editors needs to keep refreshing the editorial line, so it is perfect for them. An issue about sex slavery in the UK is an ongoing issue, and therefore not fresh and therefore not worthy of exposure.

I do feel extremely sorry for the family, I cannot imagine what they must be going through and I do wish for the best possible outcome. But I wonder what they think about the attention the media currently lavishes on them and, if the situation is not as black and white as an outcome within two weeks, how the family will feel once the press turn their attention elsewhere.