Guam's Trial of the Century

This volume is a critical case study of the press coverage of the corruption trial of former Guam Governor Ricardo Bordallo, who maintained a strong indigenous rights stance, and committed suicide for his people rather than serve a three-year jail sentence. DeBenedittis focuses on the media's role in cultural imperialism, taking the position that news is necessarily hegemonic. Particular topics include how story structure and labeling can imply guilt or innocence, and how rumors play a unique role in mitigating the persuasive power of the press. Besides illuminating analysis of the media produced during the trial, DeBenedittis includes interviews conducted with key personnel at every media outlet in Guam, trial participants, Bordallo's press secretary, and several cultural critics.