CBC and Virginia Tech shootings
Driving back from Whistler to Vancouver to catch a flight to San Francisco (thanks United for shipping part of my luggage to LA instead!) I listened to a program called "Cross Country Checkup" on CBC radio, Canada's national broadcaster.
It is a talk radio show, but unlike anything you may expect on the AM band in the U.S. It is more like a serious conversation with listeners, much like one might hear on public radio in my native Netherlands. However, this would be on Radio 1, where most of the listeners probably have graying hair and aren't a real reflection of the country.
The conversation was interesting (listen in RealAudio.) The CBC had decided in the preceding week not to air any of the video's recorded by the killer in the Virginia Tech shootings, which had dominated much of the news. The videos added nothing new and broadcasting them could glorify the attacker and possibly provide an incentive for copy-cats, the CBC decided
All of the callers I heard agreed with the CBC's decision and were disgusted by the American media, NBC in particular, for airing Cho Seung-Hui videos. All were proud of CBC for showing restraint. (I didn't hear all the callers on the show, driving several hours meant changing frequency three times to keep listening.)
I disagree with CBS. Those videos are news and a news organization should show at least part of them. They provide a glimpse into the mind of this person. Broadcasting all of the material isn't needed, but just enough to provide people a look at the killer. This could possibly even help experts, counselors, class mates, prevent future dramas if they know now what to look for.
US news did go overboard, in particular cable news, but that's their job and that's what their audience expects. They did so with stories like Imus' flap and Anna Nicole's baby, which in my view are much less of a story than a tragedy such as the Virginia Tech shootings.
The Virginia Tech event was real news. People are curious and want to see every angle of the story broadcast live from where it happened. 24-hour cable channels deliver on that need. If you don't want to watch it, turn off the TV. (I got most of my news from the Web, including from MSNBC's Web site, where I saw Cho.)
My $0,02, since I was unable to call in on Sunday.
It is a talk radio show, but unlike anything you may expect on the AM band in the U.S. It is more like a serious conversation with listeners, much like one might hear on public radio in my native Netherlands. However, this would be on Radio 1, where most of the listeners probably have graying hair and aren't a real reflection of the country.
The conversation was interesting (listen in RealAudio.) The CBC had decided in the preceding week not to air any of the video's recorded by the killer in the Virginia Tech shootings, which had dominated much of the news. The videos added nothing new and broadcasting them could glorify the attacker and possibly provide an incentive for copy-cats, the CBC decided
All of the callers I heard agreed with the CBC's decision and were disgusted by the American media, NBC in particular, for airing Cho Seung-Hui videos. All were proud of CBC for showing restraint. (I didn't hear all the callers on the show, driving several hours meant changing frequency three times to keep listening.)
I disagree with CBS. Those videos are news and a news organization should show at least part of them. They provide a glimpse into the mind of this person. Broadcasting all of the material isn't needed, but just enough to provide people a look at the killer. This could possibly even help experts, counselors, class mates, prevent future dramas if they know now what to look for.
US news did go overboard, in particular cable news, but that's their job and that's what their audience expects. They did so with stories like Imus' flap and Anna Nicole's baby, which in my view are much less of a story than a tragedy such as the Virginia Tech shootings.
The Virginia Tech event was real news. People are curious and want to see every angle of the story broadcast live from where it happened. 24-hour cable channels deliver on that need. If you don't want to watch it, turn off the TV. (I got most of my news from the Web, including from MSNBC's Web site, where I saw Cho.)
My $0,02, since I was unable to call in on Sunday.
Labels: ramblings
posted by Joris Evers @ 10:38 PM
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