Graphic Images in Television News
“We’re live in 5…4…” In many instances, the newsroom acts as a theatre. Between the live cameras, hot lights and catchy theme songs, television news coverage is becoming more and more of a show, attempting to reel in just one more loyal viewer with the next piece of footage. Because we are a visual generation, there’s usually a photo or clip to go along with each story. These images are often times violent and misused and should therefore be censored from the public to protect our nation and our children, especially with today’s constantly advancing technology.
As technology progresses, so does media coverage. Each day it becomes much easier and faster to receive news updates. Television news stations receive a multitude of news leads, press releases and video footage every hour, and, because of the rapid turnaround period, news editors sometimes find trouble in making quick decisions on what to air and what not to air. Just like every other job, journalists face some tough decisions and struggle through them with a similar reliance on professional codes, ethical constraints and thoughtful uncertainty. While a majority of parents and special interest groups say media images should be censored, others, such as most network news executives and journalists, disagree. I can see both sides of the argument, but have become immune to sly networks over the years.
The newsroom is just another business. The network or station in it to make money and will do whatever it takes to do so. If it means not covering one story, but covering another or showing more graphic images than the competitor, so be it. Until the public takes a stand and fights for the elimination of graphic footage, the legacy will live on and the powers continue.
The power of television, as we know it today, is one of the most influential sources that we as citizens use to gather information. This power has grown for years and now plays an important role...