It may be old-fashioned, but this news group has chosen to follow our gut. And it tells us that a death video is in extremely bad form.
(SALEM) - Broadcast television news stations have a long-standing rule against showing death as it occurs or in any situation thereafter that is distasteful or offensive. That includes car accidents, drownings, and most assuredly, hangings.
We put it out there, they watch it. It’s a simple formula. The public depends on the news industry to make good decisions. Not only are they highly critical of TV news, so is the FCC. And certain things simply cannot be shown on the air- or else.
But where is that line in the sand regarding Internet news? When the Statesman Journal posted the link to Saddam Hussein’s hanging on Wednesday, with nary a disclaimer, these questions and more plagued our newsroom.
Some would say that not offering the link is censorship. I have yet to understand the connection. The cell phone video is not a piece of journalism. It’s not invoking a message that has yet to be heard.
It’s not censorship for a renowned and respected news agency to decide not to deliver a product of questionable intent. We have that right.
Ever heard of a “snuff” video? They are black market videos that show in utter detail, the real murder and sometimes torture and rape of an individual. All for resale. There’s a reason we don’t broadcast such atrocities, and rationalizing showing the Hussein death video which has similar implications is more than debatable, it’s downright dangerous.
News groups promoting a direct link to the morbid execution of Saddam Hussein show a clear lack of ethics, scruples, and common decency... all in the name of sensationalism to draw numbers. Sadly, it works.
“So what?” You say. “It was Saddam Hussein! Who cares?” Whether or not we support the war in Iraq, or the decision by the Iraqi courts to carry out their sentence is completely irrelevant, the video that was shown via cell phone recording was of a killing.
Yes, it is posted on Google, and therefore fair game. So is that all it takes? What if that was the beheading of Daniel Pearl, would that be acceptable to link to as well? No, and nor should this have been.
It is a responsibility of each news group to not feed the public unnecessary stimuli, to not dismiss tragedy and loss, elevate the importance of the unimportant, or worst of all, “water down” the seriousness of the extinguishing of a human life. Any life.
Was it necessary for the public to witness the mean-minded and mean-souled taunts showered on a bound victim? This wasn’t just any victim, not just any guy next in line on death row.
Like it or not, this was once a world leader, a ruthless dictator who also happened to be a key witness for any international court of justice which may some day be convened to act appropriately on those leaders of the largest possible bully-nations. But why concern ourselves with details?
What is the effect on the community? Some say there will be brutal and highly damaging psychological impacts of open access to the Hussein hanging spectacle. Carelessly making available the death video makes one question the social conscience of the news gatherers sharing the link. Do they believe they have any social responsibility?
What are their expectations? Must we succumb to any temptation in our quest for the almighty dollar without hesitation? Some of you are laughing, as you’ve suspected or known this to be true for many years. This is the evolution of “main stream” media, an example of what creates the poor reputation so well deserved, it’s what we’ve come to.
Having the ability to make our own decision, Salem-News.com elected not to perform the act of linking to the death video. Those that want to watch it will still find it, without our urging. It won’t change the world, and we may not win the hit race, but we do hope to lead by example.
Most newspapers did not make the same decision as the Statesman Journal. Other newspapers, even the Gannett pillar, USA Today did not have a link on their front web page. After searching, the story found does include a link to the video, but with a clear disclaimer that the video is “graphic”.
A simple warning that it may not be suitable for young viewers seems the least any one should do, since what lies ahead is only one click away, and it is not for the faint of heart.
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Hussein Death Video Proves Bad Taste Conquers AllSalem-News.com