A somewhat shocking turn of events in the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa trial was seen this week when singer Zandile Khumalo-Gumede, a state witness for the case, requested that her testimony be recorded and not broadcasted live, because of her fear of being ridiculed, which would ultimately affect her public perception as a public figure. We saw media lawyers argue for the presence of the media during her testimony, as well as for some form of live broadcast of her testimony. Nonetheless, what came to us is the question of whether the media has the ability to sway the handling and trajectory of court cases and judgements by its presence as well as through its reportage. Joining Lerato Mbele for the break down is Researcher at Judges Matter is Mbekezeli Benjamin.