The media storm that John van den Heuvel has received is more than justified, says Mediaciticus Victor Vlam. “I would really admit that you made a mistake.”
For many people, John van den Heuvel has dropped through the ice now that he helps killer Joran van der Sloot to make money. According to the crime journalist, that boy has a hard time in the Peruvian prison and to have a slightly better life there, you must of course be able to slide with some Peruvian soles here and there.
Joran wants to rake
And there John comes to the rescue. Murderer Joran has published a book with which he hopes to be able to rake a lot of money and for unclear reasons John helps him with that. He has written the preface of the book and that is extensively brought to the attention of the cover. Everything to push the sales figures.
It seems like a friend service for Joran – he knows the murderer personally – and for the publishing house: John also publishes his books there. Unfortunately for John, those friends’ service services are not appreciated. In fact: he suffers unprecedented image damage and since he refuses to show repentance, this continues to chase him for a long time.
‘Really a mistake’
How does Victor Vlam look at this? The MediaCiticus believes that John is really very stupid. “I think it’s really a mistake. Really a big mistake. I think we all occasionally have: sometimes fuss is more justified or less justified, but in this case I really think it is just that there is a hassle. His preface is also announced on the front. “
On the front of the book there is a large sticker about John’s preface. “And on the back, part of his preface is also printed. It is therefore obvious that his name and reputation are used to give legitimacy to this book, “Victor continues in the podcast The Communicado’s.
Horrible person
It is obvious that John’s contribution is meant to push the sales figures, says Victor. “I think a lot of people would not take a book by Joran van der Sloot seriously normally, because it is a horrible person and as an average Dutch person you are simply not really interested in his story.”
“But if he has written the preface and he connects his reputation to it, then you still think: hmm, I’m curious. The book suddenly has much more credibility. “
Murderer help
And John can charge himself, says Co-host Lars Duursma. The communication expert says: “Of course it radiates at John van den Heuvel, who helps a murderer to make money.”
Victor: “No, that is exactly what happens and that is very negative for John van den Heuvel. There has always been a hassle about crime reporters and how close they are with people in the environment. He literally helps someone who has done horrible things. “
“Buy this!”
John defends himself by saying that he is critical in that preface, but, Victor says: “I think that is not too bad. He says it is the truth of Joran and not necessarily the truth. He says, “Read his own never told story and judge for himself.” Well, that’s a clear call to read the book and it even makes it exciting, isn’t it? “
Lars: “Buy this! Buy this! ”
Victor: “These are typical texts that are intended to promote the book and that is what Joran van der Sloot benefits from. I think it is really a poor assessment power by John van den Heuvel. “
“Admit it!”
What should John do now? Victor: “I would really admit that you made a mistake, because this will continue to chase you. It is really awkward. It ruined your image. Just say that you shouldn’t have done this. By the way, I think it’s really a mistake, because his publisher is also Joran van der Sloot’s. “
The medianer thinks that John did this for his friends at the Ezo Wolf publishing house. “Extremely awkward, you shouldn’t have done.”