Media and Murder (Full Version)

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Zensee -> Media and Murder (12/11/2007 4:13:16 PM)

Following the recent spate of mass murders in the news, I'd like to open the topic of the role of news coverage in these events and if the publicity encourages more violence from disturbed people.

What is the proper balance between the public's "right to know", what it needs to know and what, if anything, should be withheld to protect victims of crime and to perhaps prevent recurrences and copy-cat crimes?

Given statements from the killers, like "Now I'll be famous," (the Von Maur case), should the media have a universal moratorium on publishing the names of the murderers? Does front page coverage and endless supper hour news examinations, encourage repetition and if so, what can be done about it?

Z.



laurell3 -> RE: Media and Murder (12/11/2007 6:52:07 PM)

It's been my experience that when something that sudden, violent and tragic happens people look for a way it could have been prevented or worse point fingers at everyone else and say it's their fault. (I'm not at all saying you're doing that, it's a good topic of discussion).

The news here im Omaha regarding the local shooting is full of suggestions about the press coverage contributing to it, the press coverage on that date exceeding expected parameters, mall security, putting law enforcment in malls, the treatment used when this individual was in the court system, the lack of overlap between the juvenile system and adult system, the political backlash of making his juvenile treatment known to CNN,  violence video games causes and many other suggested causes.  The simple truth I believe is this.  This person went out of control and became violent and took innocent lives with him and because of that many people were not safe.  I don't know that the press, security, or any treatment in the world can stop that from happening and while people desire to feel safe and think we can stop it from happening, the simple reality is sometimes we aren't safe and sometimes horrible things happen. 

Trying to attach reason to insanity is daunting and impossible.  There were so many people on that day that saved other's lives, I'd really rather focus on that personally.



Termyn8or -> RE: Media and Murder (12/11/2007 10:58:44 PM)

So just a bit more control over what we see and hear would fix this ?

That's the implication of what you said, and my question is, just who is to wield that control ?

T



laurell3 -> RE: Media and Murder (12/11/2007 11:03:32 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

So just a bit more control over what we see and hear would fix this ?

That's the implication of what you said, and my question is, just who is to wield that control ?

T
  

Were you really responding to me Term or the OP?



Aneirin -> RE: Media and Murder (12/11/2007 11:12:24 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: laurell3


Trying to attach reason to insanity is daunting and impossible.  There were so many people on that day that saved other's lives, I'd really rather focus on that personally.



I would be inclined to agree with you. in whatever atrocity, more focus should be put upon the positive not the negative.Lets hear about those that helped others, thus ensuring others belief in people and their good intentions.

I do believe the media focuses too much on negativity.It would be refreshing one day to view the news and hear about all things good that has happened with only a small percentage of the news being dedicated to those that are bad and only then mention it in passing, not too much detail, deprive the malignant of society of their pedestal.

Maybe it is that the world's media's constant focus on the bad that happens is in fact a catalyst for more bad happenings, give a weak minded idiot a soap box to rant from and all it is doing is creating fear.Take away this soap box and see if a nutter is keen to make an example with no-one watching.

Maybe it is, that these maladjusted individuals really in their actions seek attention, the answer to that is simple, make a point of not publicising foul deeds.



subfever -> RE: Media and Murder (12/11/2007 11:21:25 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Termyn8or

So just a bit more control over what we see and hear would fix this ?

That's the implication of what you said, and my question is, just who is to wield that control ?

T


Yeah, that's a problem. Where do you draw the line, and who decides?

On the other hand, it's quite clear that fame was a primary motivator for the Von Maur killer. It sure would be nice to diminish the fame factor for future potential killers who feel similiarly motivated.

Then again, for years now, professional sports have refused to televise moronic fans who run onto the playing fields during the games. Yet, morons still do it. So, who can say for sure whether eliminating the fame factor has acted as a deterrent to any degree in this example?

Since there are no clear answers here, I'd be highly reluctant handing even more power over to the authorities. 



Alumbrado -> RE: Media and Murder (12/12/2007 6:13:30 AM)

The media isn't going to change in any way except for the worse.  Which means that rape victim's names and addresses will continue to be published, innuendo and smears will continue to be stock in trade, and sensationalized stereotypes will continue to be promulgated.

Part and parcel of that is copycats and terrorists will use the media as a handy vehicle for their own agendas, be it front page suicide in a hail of bullets, or bombings and mayhem for political leverage.



Gardenista -> RE: Media and Murder (12/12/2007 6:30:11 AM)

As long as the media profits from something, it will continue to cover it. If all this violence and mayhem didn't get ratings, it wouldn't be shown as much. Maybe part of the solution is to examine ourselves and our culture rather then control the vessel.



Aneirin -> RE: Media and Murder (12/12/2007 7:27:38 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Gardenista

As long as the media profits from something, it will continue to cover it. If all this violence and mayhem didn't get ratings, it wouldn't be shown as much. Maybe part of the solution is to examine ourselves and our culture rather then control the vessel.


Yes, perhaps we should examine ourselves, why is it though we are all disgusted with such happenings but at the same time are enthralled, absorbing every tidbit of information.Is this media inspired, or a natural want to see such things.

Think of people who gather and stare at an accident in the street, some help to save life and comfort, but there are always the ghouls that stare blankly and seem to feast on another's misfortune, lapping up what horror they can.



Zensee -> RE: Media and Murder (12/12/2007 1:18:29 PM)

Interesting answers, thank you all.

I was not imagining legislation when I posed the control question, just wondering if there is a way through the thorny issue, one that respects freedom of speech and the humane treatment of victims (or reducing the creation of new ones).

Based on comments so far I'd refine the question: If a major media outlet declared they would no longer publish the names, images or statements of sensation seeking murderers, or that they would not provide lurid details about crimes, would you support that outlet or would you sneek peeks at the gory, personal details from competitors?

I realise this discussion may lead to totally impractical conclusions but I don't think that needs to silence it.


Z.



Alumbrado -> RE: Media and Murder (12/12/2007 2:51:44 PM)

There was a television station in (I believe) Tampa Florida that did exactly that a few years ago.  Guess where their ratings ended up?



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