The Sun is no longer bonkers

It was an unusually apologetic response to criticism by the usually bullish, self assured Sun.

Insensitive reporting of Frank Bruno’s detention in a mental health facility provoked an angry response from mental health charties and the public.

The Sun duly bowed its head, said they were very sorry and promised steps would be taken to ensure increased sensitivity for future stories involving mental health issues.

So the old dog agreed to learn some new tricks. But it didn’t take long for the training to wear off.

Admittedly the Sun has toned down its language from the much criticised, insensitive ’barmy’ and ‘bonkers’.

In its place has come much more subtler turns of phrase; ‘bizarre’, ‘oldball’.

But the continued day in, day out intrusive reporting of troubled stars such as Kerry Katona and Britney Spears seems to indicate the Sun has developed little sensitivity on this issue.

Doubtlessly editors would argue that sales increases and website hits show there is a public interest in these star’s personal problems.

And the paper and the majority of its readers would argue these particular young ladies lost their rights to privacy a long time ago after selling every life detail and inch of flesh to any reporter with a big enough chequebook.

But this free ride surely does not extend to intrusively snapping a young mother, regardless of whether she’s a multi-million selling record artist, in an ambulance in the throes of a severe breakdown.

Imagine if the scenario had been an elderly member of the public suffering from Alzheimer’s. Would front row seat coverage be used?

The main problem here is also the Sun’s main strength, brevity. The Sun is an impact paper, its writing is tight and without unnecesary detail. But it also means its reporting can be lacking in depth and detail.

Whether a celeb is suffering from exhastion, stress, drug abuse or bi-polar diorder the Sun very rarely gives details or explanations. Invariably we are told that the star is troubled. The aim is not to inform, its mere voyeurism. The 21st century circus freak show.

 The paper also fails to acknowledge its own responsibility for the struggling mental health of these stars.

Both Katona and Spears have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Undoubtedly the continual intrusion into the everyday life by paparazzi photographers can only exacerbate their conditions.

It seems that not content on playing a huge role in raising these vulnerable women to worldwide fame, the Sun and other tabloids are equally keen to monitor every painful step of their decline.