Crime, TV, journalism, ethics

Or four words that don't often get said in the same sentence. Where are the limits today on the coverage of murder stories?

This article caught my eye:

Agreement On Trial Limits Images Court TV Can Use

The piece is from the New Jersey Star-Ledger. Court TV is about to broadcast the trial of two young men who allegedly got drunk and started a fire in their dorm room at Seton Hall University, which killed three students and hurt 58 others. They face 30-plus years in prison. Court TV agreed not to air crime scene photos or autopsy photos of the students who died (surprisingly, they're being admitted into evidence).

Court TV was also asked not to broadcast video of the badly burned victims -- but the network refused requests not to show one victim at all as she testified and also refused a request not to show close-ups of another victim's hands. Said the producer: "[We] are not going to compromise our coverage."

Then again, we'll probably get a peek, even if the judge rules against the network. During coverage for Father Robinson's case, Court TV wasn't supposed to show photos of the victim, but it did anyway. I saw crime scene photos with the victim's body twice, including a close-up of the nun's battered, bloody face. I wasn't quite sure what to think, but it was no surprise, "coverage agreement" or no.

From NewsBlues Quotable Quotes:

"I wanted to be The New York Times of the airwaves. Not the New York Post."

CNN founder Ted Turner

"We don't know yet whether Nancy (Grace) is consonant with the CNN brand."

CNN President Jon Klein

"It's easy and it's brainless."

CNN boss Jon Klein describing Fox News coverage of Natalee Holloway

"If you don't want to read about the investigation for Natalee (Holloway) or watch the coverage, don't. No one is making anyone watch or read about it.''

Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren

"It looks like we're covering the Rose Parade."

Photog surveying the Michael Jackson media carnival

"There's nothing there but crime and sob sister material... tabloid stuff."

Walter Cronkite critiques the CBS Evening News

Honestly this post is the result of a lot of crankiness today. When will the media critics declare 9/11 overcovered, I wonder? I know, I know. I'll wait.

"Do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny. London can take it."

Sir Winston Churchill

Comments

[Brooke]

Laura,
This post and the two prior express my opinions as well. I don't remember exactly when my disillusionment led my interests elsewhere; but I'm certain it was complete by the time the MJ trial fiasco was aired with all the overkill of a carnival atmosphere. Your blog, along with a small handful of others, are the only ones I consider to have any real journalistic integrity and ethics left. Thanks for continuing to take the high road.
Your Loyal Fan

do you know how to find the crime scene photos????????????

[mietwagen]

Sehr gute Seite. Ich habe es zu den Favoriten.