Download Ethical Dilemma: Broadcasting Graphic School Murder Video - Informing vs. Community Harm - and more Papers Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Lindzee McCain MC 4090, Section 4 Term Paper Two November 23, 2009 SECTION ONE Obtaining a video documenting the murder of a minor is an incredibly sensitive dilemma for a news station. There are numerous components of the situation that must be considered in the decision making process. Each detail must be carefully examined before the station can decide whether to purchase the video. The teleological analysis presents two options: purchase the video or ignore the opportunity. The television station is faced with several potentially negative consequences if they decide to buy the tape. The seller’s motives seem questionable because they are asking for money and essentially profiting off the death of a high school student. The station is unable to determine whether the seller was directly involved in the death of the student before viewing the tape. Because of the nature of the crime, there is a possibility that the seller will likely ask for anonymity. Shield laws in Texas do not protect journalists from disclosing information from felons. In effect, the station would be making a transaction with a murderer and could later lose credibility for disclosing an anonymous source. Police had not yet obtained the video at the time of the negotiations between the seller and the television station. Airing the clip could impede the investigation and give suspects time to flee. Though it is a journalist’s responsibility to report the news, it is preferable not to obstruct justice. 1 There is a positive side to obtaining the video. According to the background information, the school has a history of violence. This newsworthy video shows an escalation of brutality and can be used to bring attention to the strengthening trend. Broadcasting the tape contributes images to a story usually accompanied by crying classmates and fond memories and gives viewers a better understanding of the violence in area schools. Purchasing the video does not necessarily mean that the station should air the video. Instead, they could use the firsthand account to contribute to the story’s accuracy without actually broadcasting it to the public. Purchasing the video also enables them to release the information to the police. The police can then pursue the student's attackers. By not purchasing the video, the television station will be unable to assist in solving the heinous crime. They will also give another news station the opportunity to profit from the tape. However, the station would not be contributing to the profit of a teenage boy’s death. There are several deontological principles involved in this section. Journalists have the responsibility to report the news. The video presents an unbiased account of the incident. Viewers could use this fair glimpse into inner-city violence to draw their own conclusions. By not purchasing the video, they are not doing their job. By this standard, the television station should purchase the tape. Another principle exists that encourages the television station to not purchase the video. Profiting off of the death of a high school student is not an accepted societal norm. The police could easily seize the tape without contributing to the exploitation of a murdered high school student. This also guides the station to not purchase the video. If I were the news director, I would purchase the video. The social responsibility of a journalist implores them to make society informed and aware of happenings in the community. 2
