Throughout their group and solo careers, The Beatles have had to face a
                   variety of challenges from the media concerning various topics.

                   Since the passing of Lady Diana followed by Linda McCartney's death in
                   1998, the study and debate of media ethics has been pronounced, even
                   within the media itself. Allowing the McCartney family little privacy during
                   their grieving period, many Beatles fans again questioned all that they had
                   during the controversial death of Diana. In fact, Paul McCartney is no
                   stranger to controversy in the media.

                   Since the beginning of his career in music, McCartney has had several
                   songs put on the BBC banned list, including "Hi Hi Hi" and "Give Ireland
                   Back To The Irish." While still a Beatle, Paul McCartney admitted to feeling
                   rather disoriented during the period in which he was assumed 'dead.' After
                   the breakup of the Beatles, McCartney secluded himself and drank, away
                   from the media that craved his constant attention. Fortunately, his wife
                   Linda helped him through his trying post-Beatles episode.

                   Although Paul and Linda have always used the media to promote animal
                   rights organizations and general world peace, they have still suffered from
                   being within the media's spotlight. Angie and Ruth McCartney (Paul's
                   stepmother and stepsister) have sold their stories about Paul, as well as
                   his birth certificate, using the media as a ground for fetching high prices
                   and self-promotion. When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in the
                   early 1990's, she and her family had to realize that this was a media
                   affair. They handled it with grace. Having been recently barraged by
                   questions of marriage to girlfriend Heather Mills, McCartney has finally
                   become engaged.

                   For George Harrison, media issues have been quite similar. While he has
                   undoubtedly cooperated with the media to promote large-scale events,
                   his personal life has been constantly scrutinized by the media. It has long
                   been common knowledge that Harrison's first wife was the subject of Eric
                   Clapton's "Layla." Harrison's son, a Brown student, has gained a media
                   reputation as a steady drinker. Mr. Harrison has recently received a large
                   volume of news coverage: he was first attacked in his home, and has
                   since been diagnosed with lung cancer. While George and the other
                   Beatles may consider it their duty to discuss mishaps, personal illness is
                   another issue. Recently, the media (both 'rag' tabloids as well as a major
                   U.S. news organization) publicised George's cancer for a second time,
                   declaring that it had spread to his brain. They had misquoted Harrison and
                   Beatles producer/instrumentalist Sir George Martin, implying that Harrison
                   was ready to die.

                   Fellow Beatle Ringo Starr eased some of the tension, speaking for George
                   and reaching out to the fans through the media. Having publically battled
                   alcoholism, Starr began promotion of his most recent All-Starr Band line up
                   tour, while remarking on Harrison's condition. He expressed disgust for the
                   misquotes, and assured the public that Harrison was doing well.

                   There is still one issue that every band member is questioned on: the
                   murder of John Lennon. Lennon, who also used the media to publically
                   promote peace and other causes, was constantly hounded about his lost
                   weekend and alleged affiar with May Pang. After he was tragically
                   murdered by a deranged fan, wife Yoko, teenage son Julian and the other
                   Beatles were constantly sought out by the media. Instead of having their
                   own grieving time in private, the ex-band was forced to publically share
                   their grief- immediately.

                   As a society, we must decide where privacy becomes more important that
                   the need for information. Truth in the media, as we have seen with The
                   Beatles, comes with integrity. Often, members of the media ignore this, as
                   does the public. Perhaps in the future, Beatle fans will be more respectful
                   of the privacy of the remaining Beatles, their families, and John's family.
 

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