THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD like to respond to the letter of the day published on Thursday, July 24, entitled 'Ghoulish journalism', written by Errol Miller.
I am in complete agreement with Mr. Miller's point that journalism in our country, in recent times especially, has lost much of its regard for the feelings of victims of crime and grieving family members in the apparently greater quest to supply the public with 'in your face' news stories.
All too often we see grieving mothers on television only minutes after finding out about the passing (often by violent means) of their loved ones. It seems simple common sense that this is the absolute worst time in anyone's life to be videotaped for the entire nation to view at a later hour, yet reporters and cameramen seem not to care. The need to 'outshine' competitors overrides all good judgement and the desire to exploit the horrible situation for personal benefit is all too often the path chosen by our journalists. How many times have we turned on our television sets to watch news programmes and seen lifeless bodies covered with bloodstained white sheets being thrust into coroner's vans?
I'm sure that if the victims' families were ever consulted, none would appreciate having their loved ones shown in this way. I agree that the public "has a right to know" what is taking place in the nation, however the way they are told is a reflection of where our society is currently. If we present the news of murder, robberies and the like in a way which shows absolutely no compassion for others, then how can we condemn the crimes themselves which often stem from a lack of compassion for others?
I am etc.,
ROBERT S. LALAH
rlalah@yahoo.com
Horizon Park
St. Catherine
