"The public sympathizes strongly with victims of tragedy who sometimes seem to be revictimized by their encounters with reporters and photographers at a moment when they are most vulnerable."
In Best Practices, this section captured my attention because of the title at first, but I shortly became enthralled with the reality of the matter. I am sure that reporters don't even realize what they are doing, justice as far as they are concerned, but I agree that there is a line between finding the justice in the matter and preying on the weak victims of the situation.
Sure we can blame the adrenaline the reporters are running on, but honestly how invasive do the questions have to be? Especially on the victims end. In cases of families with lost loved one or children, just how far will reporters go to get information, when really in the eyes of the public they should just report on the actual event. I get that they think they are getting a more news worthy article if they do a more personal story, but seriously don't go there.
Like the book says, I too think the journalists should be trained to know what questions to ask people in vulnerable situations. How far to push the story and how to treat children. There are so many reasons that people hate journalism. Have a heart!
Comments (4)
Without journalists where would consumers get their news from? Being a little pushy is not that bad, it is the public who are stubborn, journalists are just living on a deadline.
Posted by Jeremy Barrick | November 18, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on November 18, 2007 13:23
Makes you feel like we (future journalists) are as bad as the paparazzi, huh? Victimized by the reporters? That's a little harsh. Journalists are just trying to get the information in order to write their story. If they didn't conduct the proper interviews, then they are bashed for not reporting well enough! Major Catch 22.
Posted by Nessa | November 18, 2007 4:13 PM
Posted on November 18, 2007 16:13
Well, yes and no. There needs to be coverage on the story, no matter how tradic it is. Of course journalists need to be carefull with the questions they ask, but I think most do and are carefull. Yes we need the story and will do what we need to to get it, but I think it's the public who gets all upset over a few questions. They need to realize as well that whether they like it of not, this story is going to be published and if they want the correct inforamtion out they should corroporate so they don't complain more later.
Posted by Carrie Kraszewski | November 18, 2007 8:12 PM
Posted on November 18, 2007 20:12
I don't think we are as bad as the paparazzi, necessarily. We are asking the questions that the public wants to know. If the public needs to know, then should we care how graphic the question is?
I agree with Carrie. There are certain questions that are burning to be asked, and someone needs to step up to the plate and throw it out there.
Posted by Corey Struss | November 19, 2007 10:22 AM
Posted on November 19, 2007 10:22