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How has McCann reporting changed?

By Channel 4 News

Updated on 31 August 2007

As reports claim Madeleine McCann's parents will launch a libel action against a Portuguese newspaper, Channel 4 News looks at the way reporting of the four-year-old's disappearance has changed since she went missing.

Madeleine's father, Gerry McCann, recently spoke at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, where he said a lack of facts had put pressure on journalists to write up speculation as fact.

May 3: Madeleine McCann disappears from holiday apartment in Praia da Luz.

May 10: Portuguese police announce they are winding down search.

May 12: 'Find Madeleine' poster is published online.

May 14: 'Find Madeleine' website is launched and later features a daily blog written by Gerry McCann.

May 15: Robert Murat is classified as a suspect by police.

May 17: Video appeal is launched. 'Find Madeleine' website receives 50 million hits in 24 hours.

May 25: Description of a man seen carrying a child on night of abduction is released by police. McCanns describe their fellings of guilt at leaving daughter in apartment.

May 30: Gerry and Kate McCann travel to Rome to meet the Pope.

Jun 5: Parents are asked by a reporter in Berlin if they were involved Madeleine's disappearance. Mr McCann says he has not heard that they are connsidered suspects.

June/July Dozens of sightings of Madeleine are reported to police.

Aug 4: Robert Murat's house is searched for a second time by police.

Aug 6: Traces of blood are found in the apartment where Madeleine went missing.

Aug 11:McCanns hold interviews to mark 100 days since Madeleine disappeared, but they face awkward questions raised by speculation and rumour in Portuguese media that they are responsible for her disappearance.

22 Aug: Mr McCann plays down reports in the Portuguese press that a second English suspect is under investigation.

Aug 25 Mr McCann admits the family may return home, believing their continued presence in Portugal is leading to "irresponsible reporting".

He reveals police asked the couple not to show emotion in public for operational reasons.

Mr McCann says the media campaign will be scaled down.

29 Aug: Gerry McCann walks out of a Spanish TV interview when asked about traces of blood found in Madeleine's bedroom. He pointed out that Portuguese law prevented him from commenting on details of the inquiry.

31 Aug: Reports claim the McCann family will sue a Portuguese newspaper.

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