Comments on: MSNBC Asks: Should Press Self-Censor Disturbing News? http://www.adammessinger.com/2004/05/12/msnbc-asks-should-press-self-censor-disturbing-news Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:43:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Kate Flynn http://www.adammessinger.com/2004/05/12/msnbc-asks-should-press-self-censor-disturbing-news#comment-8086 Fri, 05 Aug 2005 03:00:03 +0000 http://www.adammessinger.com/2004/05/12/msnbc-asks-should-press-self-censor-disturbing-news#comment-8086 While I do believe we need a free and unhampered press, I am appalled by the grusome, peepshow that is often dignified as journalism. A cantankerous, obstinate press is one thing, but much of what I see is voyeristic enterainment posing as serious journalism. All too often we see unnecessary details like the beheading, or lingering display of a gastly outrage (over and over), or fast breaking details of infamous trials. But no reporting is done on the problems and plight of the working poor in this country. Issues like lack of health care and housing are apparently not sexy enough for prime time reporters. Where are the true reporters like Murrow now when we need them? While I do believe we need a free and unhampered press, I am appalled by the grusome, peepshow that is often dignified as journalism. A cantankerous, obstinate press is one thing, but much of what I see is voyeristic enterainment posing as serious journalism. All too often we see unnecessary details like the beheading, or lingering display of a gastly outrage (over and over), or fast breaking details of infamous trials. But no reporting is done on the problems and plight of the working poor in this country. Issues like lack of health care and housing are apparently not sexy enough for prime time reporters. Where are the true reporters like Murrow now when we need them?

]]> by: Adam http://www.adammessinger.com/2004/05/12/msnbc-asks-should-press-self-censor-disturbing-news#comment-105 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.adammessinger.com/2004/05/12/msnbc-asks-should-press-self-censor-disturbing-news#comment-105 The results are in, and -- as with so much of American opinion these days -- it was an almost 50/50 split on this question. Part of the "Question of the Day" e-mail message that I get each day is a sampling of participants' feedback on the poll. Here's what folks had to say: <blockquote> Yesterday, we asked you "Should the U.S. media not show graphic acts of terrorism--like the Nick Berg beheading?" Over 200,000 of you voted, and 53 percent of you said "Yes. The media SHOULD NOT show graphic acts of terrorism." Here's what some of you said: "Obviously our military and government officials can't be honest about what is happening in Iraq so if we are to gain any knowledge at all we must endure the pictures and footage the Iraqi's add to propaganda machine the Bush administration has provided." Michelle Smith, Monroe, NC "I think it's a great question. I watched the beheading and I sure wish I didn't, but it wakes you up inside, and makes you think about what is going on in our world, and it isn't right. Things need to change in the government and innocent people shouldn't be dying. I feel 50/50 of graphic stuff should be showed. It shows people that this is really happening in today's world, and it should be treated with the greatest respect." -Angela, Castlegar BC "I think people have a right to know what goes on but as far as graphic pictures.. Where is the respect for this person's families that have to see this? They'll worry even more about their sons, daughters, husbands, etc over there." - Mother of a soldier, Indiana </blockquote> The results are in, and — as with so much of American opinion these days — it was an almost 50/50 split on this question.

Part of the “Question of the Day” e-mail message that I get each day is a sampling of participants’ feedback on the poll. Here’s what folks had to say:

Yesterday, we asked you “Should the U.S. media not show graphic acts of terrorism–like the Nick Berg beheading?” Over 200,000 of you voted, and 53 percent of you said “Yes. The media SHOULD NOT show graphic acts of terrorism.”

Here’s what some of you said:

“Obviously our military and government officials can’t be honest about what is happening in Iraq so if we are to gain any knowledge at all we must endure the pictures and footage the Iraqi’s add to propaganda machine the Bush administration has provided.” Michelle Smith, Monroe, NC

“I think it’s a great question. I watched the beheading and I sure wish I didn’t, but it wakes you up inside, and makes you think about what is going on in our world, and it isn’t right. Things need to change in the government and innocent people shouldn’t be dying. I feel 50/50 of graphic stuff should be showed. It shows people that this is really happening in today’s world, and it should be treated with the greatest respect.” -Angela, Castlegar BC

“I think people have a right to know what goes on but as far as graphic pictures.. Where is the respect for this person’s families that have to see this? They’ll worry even more about their sons, daughters, husbands, etc over there.” - Mother of a soldier, Indiana

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