The case was definitely covered very well by the media. I think it worked out that way due to Chief Longo and the circumstances. When Hannah was missing, Longo was making regular media appearances, asking for the public's help. He needed help with the video, with locating JM, and with searches for Hannah. The general circumstances of the case fit what the media is interested in, and LE needed the public's help, so they had this repricopal relationship. LE was providing the media with actual developments; the media wasn't just making up sensational tidbits to keep the gravy train going. Also, Hannah was missing for a little over a month before she was found, and JM was arrested before that, so there wasn't really much time where nothing was going on/case was unsolved or going cold.