Re-envisioning missing person coverage.
A description on a billboard,
a name on a poster,
a face on a milk carton.
Beyond the missing person description, no matter the circumstance is someone who is worth remembering.
We are a media platform dedicated to bridging the gap in media coverage disparity when it comes to missing person cases. Through our original reporting, investigative support, and connecting loved ones to resources, we are changing the way missing person cases are handled in the media.
We leave the light on to bring accountability, answers, and loved ones home.
What is media coverage disparity?
When a person goes missing, the media can be a very important tool in getting information out to bring someone home. Studies on the media have found that factors such as race, age, and lifestyle may affect the chance of cases getting covered in the media. For example, a study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, “Missing White Women Syndrome; An Empirical Analysis of Race and Gender Disparities in Online News Coverage of Missing Persons found that missing white women make up 30% of missing persons cases, yet are represented in over 50% of the time when missing person cases in the news.
How are we helping?
Milk Carton believes that every story is worth telling. We produce original content that families and friends can share. Media relation consulting is free to families of missing loved ones from professional journalists. We can connect families to media resources and help pitch to larger networks and publications.
On the Right to Go Missing
We recognize and respect the right of individuals to make choices about their own lives, including the decision to go missing. We believe in bodily autonomy and acknowledge that each person's situation is unique. Our organization strives to provide support and assistance to families and loved ones of missing persons with the best of intentions, while also respecting the privacy and autonomy of those who are missing. We understand that going missing can be a complex and personal decision, and we do not condone any action that would infringe upon an individual's rights or autonomy. If you have any concerns about our organization or the way we handle missing person cases, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to transparency and open communication, and we value feedback from our community."