A tough call.
This week’s gruesome attack on a bus in Manitoba is just that..gruesome. The details are not pretty - they are truly horrible and tough to talk about, but people are talking about it… and quite a lot.
It is a story like this that prompts extended discussion here in the newsroom. How much information is too much?
Is the right to know the same as the right to possibly offend?
Some media outlets did advise listeners of the disturbing nature of the story before some details were given.
Many didn’t.
We have cautioned listeners in the past. One of the more recent examples would be the details given in court during Robert Pickton’s trial.
As the morning progressed yesterday, and the more horrific details were coming down, the discussion focussed on the eyewitness reports. Police had not confirmed the multiple stabbing or the beheading of the victim.
We did report that.
I took a one call yesterday, and the listener thought
we should be giving out even more information.
We do try to be sensitive, and to report all stories honestly and factually.
Many of us are parents, and those children are home for the summer holidays hearing reports, even seeing the footage on TV.. as they search for that show on YTV or Teletoon.
The bus attack is being called unprovoked and isolated, and that means these types of stories are isolated too.
It is a good reminder to remember who is listening, and how the information is handled.
We do appreciate your feedback.
lisa