Crossing the line… sensationalism in journalism…

In one of the last sessions we have covered the questions of whether there is a line that is often crossed by journalist, especially when it comes to Newsflash or such. However, we had to put of the question quite fast, but it became quite evident that some boundaries need to be shown.

We came to the idea because I saw this youtube documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFoEC2O9R4U) called “Newsflash: Stories that stopped the world”, and I realized that many journalists were quite proud of getting the best and immediate view on things, regardless of how. I remember one journalist saying proudly how he outsmarted the police and fire department by pulling over and following some fire trucks. Not something I would consider proud! Furthermore he was quite that he had not only accomplished to actually be the first on the scene but also that he was able to get a good shoot on the most devastating scene of all. Seriously?! How about thinking about letting the police, fire department and ambulances do their job? How about thinking about the victims and/or the victims families and friends? Is it really worth getting that “golden shoot”?

We also thought about the pilot who had depression and flew a plane into the mountains, killing everyone. What does it help to see the picture or know the name? Why does the whole world need to know? I understand that it might help the traumatized friends and families of the victims to be able to have someone to blame, however, what does it help a stranger to know the name and hometown of the pilot? I think it is absolutly irresponsible to put the news sensationalism above respect and humanity.

Arguments for this and similiar situations are that this is what the public wants to see. Does that really make things better? Does it make these things more appropriate or right? Or is it not the responsibility of the News Media to distinguish and take responsibility for the news that they provide?

I am really eager to hear your thoughts on this because I think this is a serious issue that not only needs to be addressed but also CHANGED …