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Nearly a year has passed since the Sandy Hook shooting which left 26 dead and the town of Newtown looking for ways to heal. As the anniversary of Dec. 14 approaches, Newtown is shying away from media coverage.
The healing and recovery process for the citizens the town of Newtown has been a gradual and painful one. In particular, it seems that the media has played a questionable role in this healing process.
While it is somewhat commonplace for media outlets to flock to scenes of tragedy (9/11, Aurora, Colo. shooting) for anniversary coverage, the town of Newtown is asking the media to refrain from doing so. The town of Newtown is citing reasons like wanting to keep grieving private in their tight-knit community and not wanting to be defined by a single tragedy as explanations for their aversion to coverage.
Although major networks like ABC and NBC have decided to refrain from covering the anniversary, CBS News is adamant about covering the event. Tim Gaughan, director of special events for CBS News, says "Our goal is to have the smallest footprint possible. We don't want to be intrusive, but we're confident we can report the story and not get in the way."
Do you think that media outlets should comply by Newtown's requests, or do you think that media has an obligation to cover the anniversary of such a tragedy? What is the role of the media in calamities like this, and how should they approach coverage?
Do you think that media outlets should comply by Newtown's requests, or do you think that media has an obligation to cover the anniversary of such a tragedy? What is the role of the media in calamities like this, and how should they approach coverage?
6 comments:
I believe it is kind of intrusive for CBS news to want to cover the Sandy Hook anniversary when they've asked for little coverage from the media. At this point, the media is just covering the pure entertainment aspect of such a tragedy rather than how Sandy Hook has affected the nation in gun laws, politics, and economics like "the news"--or my definition of it, is supposed to cover. Although I am a little curious at how the Sandy Hook tragedy has affected those so close to the event, my respect for their grieving process and wishes overpowers this want for entertainment.
Instead, I believe the news should mention how this has affected people on a larger scale, covering some of the government's responses to the more often occurring tragedies.
I don't think news outlets should cover topics that are as sensitive as this one. It doesn't seem very empathetic of CBS, and it's not morally right. Even though it's a journalistic obligation for news outlets to document important topics, I think this is an exception.
I agree with Alex Griffis, I think it's more important to focus on the bigger picture. There isn't much use in documenting something so small. It might be interesting, but I don't think it's necessary. I think a memorial or something to commemorate the victims would be nice. What is necessary is knowing how the aftermath affects us, and what we can learn from the tragedy. Media has a responsibility in being both respectful and insightful, especially in sensitive times such as this. It would be risky to publish something that is interesting, yet disrespectful.
As Alex G. and Alex F. said, I think that CBS, like ABC and NBC, should not cover the one-year anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings in Newtown; the town explicitly expressed its desire for the media not to return to cover the event. While I feel that the media could rightfully record the shootings one year ago in its great scope and overall newsworthiness, I don't think it will hurt them very much to pass the opportunity to see how Newtown is faring one year after the event.
As this presents an issue of privacy, I think it's common respect for news stations to refrain from reporting when the people involved ask them to do so, especially in the case of a traumatic event as this; ultimately, it should be the choice of Newtown's residents as to whether or not news reporters should be allowed, not a news station's. I think CBS should take the fact that it was turned down from a few parking areas as a sign to not attempt to cover the one-year anniversary of the shootings against the wishes of those involved.
I think that the media in some ways serves for the interest of the public. So some may want to know what it going on in the town of Newton. I don't think they need to totally leave, like they said they (CBS) are trying to leave as small of a footprint as they can. They are minimizing what they are sending over so I think the effects of anxiety and after effects will be reduced since it will be much more unnoticeable. If people ask to not be interviewed or to leave a certain area, then I think as a sign of respect they should definitely leave however.
I understand that CBS would try to telecast the anniversary for the purpose of providing information and coverage, and I think that its great that they are willing to minimize their presence. But I still believe that they must comply to the wishes of the city, whether they want only a few or no cameras at all. And though many of us may be curious as to what will happen in Newtown, this favor would be a small token of commemoration. Many parents lost their children, and the idea of being bombarded with cameras at a time of grieving would be problematic.
I agree with Alex F. that the media, despite their duty to inform, must also acknowledge the limits that they must not cross. Maybe CBS can do their coverage some other time.
I think it would be a good idea to give the families space but also continue to honor those who were killed that day. Trying not to re open wounds can be difficult around such a tragic event, but I think it is important to remind America that no significant gun control changes have been made a year after the horrible incident. Coverage of the event could be subtle and still deliver the necessary message to remind citizens of the losses the families suffered that day. Respecting the families should be the first priority but I do not think that a small memorial would do much damage, and it could be a nice way to remember the kids and teachers who died.
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