trial by television

trial by television

A situation in which a person's guilt is decided by the population at large due to negative coverage by televised media outlets. Also phrased as "trial by the media." While the stories about the former CEO are all horrifying, right now they are just that: stories. We cannot allow trial by television to become the new means by which to condemn our citizens, who still enjoy the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.
See also: by, television, trial
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

trial by television (or the media)

discussion of a case or controversy on television or in the media involving or implying accusations against a particular person.
See also: by, television, trial
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • trial by the media
  • pearly
  • babysit with (someone or something)
  • conflict of interest
  • find (something) out the hard way
  • have no stomach for (something)
  • no stomach for, have
  • a/your second childhood
  • not have the stomach for something
  • have the stomach for
References in periodicals archive
LIVERPOOL could soon face trial by television in Europe with UEFA considering bringing forward proposals to use Video Assistant Referee in the Champions League.
The controversial system has been branded trial by television with the majority of incidents in games broadcast live or in highlights shows such as BBC Scotland's Sportscene.
A TRIAL by television did the trick as South Shields put their midweek defeat at Bamber Bridge behind them with a comprehensive win over Ramsbottom United.
COMEDIAN Jim Davidson has weighed into the Harvey Weinstein allegations, calling them "trial by television".
The committee will also investigate the telecast of confessional statements of the accused persons under trial by television channels.
Sunderland now face a trial by television next Wednesday when they travel to face champions Chelsea live on BT Sport.
The 35-year-old was lying joint second in the PS4.5 million tournament after Friday's second round but got his marching orders after suffering trial by television.
Forget the afternoon shows about neighbourhood disputes and cheating lovers, this is real trial by television.
When Savundra came to court a week later, his counsel complained of "trial by television" and not without reason.
Told that among the court's explanation for the new ruling was the need to protect the rights of the accused, De Lima said that the "remedy should be clear guidelines on how reporting should be done by the media but banning media coverage I think should probably not be (the case)." On June 14, 2011, the court allowed the live broadcast of the trial by television and radio but subject to certain guidelines of the trial court.
And this week the West Brom boss has defended Premier League referees from trial by television.
PADRAIG Harrington fell foul of "trial by television" last week, but fans at home are being told not to turn him in this week if they see him grounding his club on sand in Bahrain.
Harrington became the latest victim of trial by television in the sport for an incident during his opening 65 at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
If the referee is going to face trial by television, then why shouldn't the players?
For years now players have been subjected to trial by television while the men in the middle have been allowed to get away with errors that, in some circumstances, have cost managers their jobs.