I think most of us are thinking about this in the context of our own lives, where we live, and how we would react. But, this family is from a very small town. Much smaller than most of us can comprehend. How many of us have the first idea what it's like to live in a town so small you could know the entire police department by name?
When you live in Seattle, or Portland, and possible suspects are greatly more anonymous and far flung than they would be here, going on GMA or Today, or Nancy Grace, may help find your child. When you live in tiny little Parson's, your child disappeared from your own yard in the woods, and your everyday world consists of 2500 people, most of whom you know (or think you do), going on GMA is probably not going to have much of a payoff compared to the amount of criticism you'll receive on everything you say and do. Or don't say and do.
Think about the worse parsing that went on, both here and elsewhere, after every press briefing. Can you imagine how thoroughly (and in some cases heartlessly) their every word would be dissected?
After thinking it over for quite a while, I don't think I would recommend someone in their particular situation put themselves through an MSM feeding frenzy. Your mileage may vary of course. :innocent: