Kate McCann's first call to the UK is not to her family but to her friend Dr Jill Renwick, who gets immediately on to GMTV and launches the UK media blitz, ensuring the McCann's abduction scenario is the ONLY story that goes out.
Perhaps coincidence, but how fortuitous, that DrJill Renwick is neighbour to John Brown, brother of our Prime Minister. Sure enough the PM is there is record time to express his sympathy and support, giving the green light for anyone wanting some free publicity to jump on the bandwagon and lend their support.
These are well-paid professionals, doctors yet, not some wouldn't-know-better working class peasants, and their word, at least for the first month, is gospel.
The abduction is reported as concrete fact not just from day one, but from hour one. You have to hand it to Kate and Gerry: they know how to use the media, and use it they certainly did.