The media blitz needs to STOP NOW!!

[Velvet]

I see that some people have not understood my replies, yet again.

Yes, I disagreed with the media feeding frenzy/blitz. I think they need to show some good judgment (and therefore, think they are lacking in any judgment but poor–most of the time). I think we need information, but not to be overwhelmed by it (as suzy so eloquently pointed out). I do know that my TV has an on/off switch, and I do use it…I am concerned about the people who don’t seem to know they have one, or as the cliche goes, they don’t have enough sense to come in out of the rain.

I also don’t always believe that the media has to run into a burning building to report it. Again, my opinion. I just don’t see that sense. I understand history needs to be recorded, but it has been well recorded in the past–without camera crews and even photos. Would you think the Spanish Inquisition more horrible if you had pictures instead of words? Or how about the Revolutionary War (to relate this to the U.S.). Maybe I just have a good imagination, but I don’t think it would add to the impact for me.

HUGE sigh

[AHC]

Velvet, I live in New York City below 14th Street. I had to show identification to get home last night. I have friends who have family who are missing and presumed dead. I watched the towers crumble from my bosses window. I have friends who have been trying to reach me all week from around the country who can’t get through because phone lines are overloaded.

From my perspective, close to ground zero, the visual images are horrific, but I and everyone else I know who lives here is glued to the tv and/or radio waiting for updates. Most of the coverage I have watched and listened to has been informative, empathetic and remarkably accurate.

As others have said, if you don’t want to feel sensory overload, stop watching. I watched a movie the other night for a couple of hours and it brought welcome relief. Today I will ride my horse. But when I want to know the latest, it’s okay with me to see the visuals. I saw them live anyway, they aren’t leaving my head anytime soon.

[Canter]

Please, lets not jump all over Robbie. It’s great that he’s ready to move on. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t ready yet.
So why don’t we leave it at that, rather than debate it?

[Velvet]

And I finally found it:

Europe in Mourning

JMHO

[Robby_Johnson]

But, then again, I’ve never been one to speak in riddles.

Heidi-ugh … you know shoulder pads were big in the 80’s. The 90’s were all about the deconstructed look. Think John Galliano for Christian Dior.

Robby

[Smart_Alec]

“Not leave the topic entirely, but cover what is being done now, and stop rehashing the crashes at the moment.”
That seems to be what they ARE doing.
Also, well said Erin, those images are ones we will not and, to be honest, should not forget.

[Midge]

is they die if no one is interested in replying. If people DO reply, then it is a viable thread.

[InWhyCee]

I started this topic last night, when they were barely giving a moment to the rescue attempts.

---

FYI: A NY Fire Department official announced this morning that firemen at the site were not allowed to give interviews or to release any unauthorized information … so information is bound to be sketchy from here on. They have also been moving media back from the area because of the threat of another building collapse.

If you have satellite TV, try to get a local New York station, some of which are broadcasting on cable channels … I hear that NY One News is also being carried in some cities on public access …

Good luck
No offense

[satin]

I for one was truly grateful for the 24-hour coverage. I was away in Massachusetts last Tuesday. Had I been home I would have been walking through the trade center at 8:45 AM on my way to my office in the world financial center. Being able to watch the events unfolding back home helped me out enormously- because phones weren’t working all that well in New York City (if at all), that was my only link to friends and family back home. I watched constantly for a glimpse of anyone I knew.

If you don’t like the coverage, don’t watch it. But don’t take it away from those who are looking for any detail about missing friends, family, coworkers.

Someone early on mentioned the pictures of people jumping out the windows of the WTC. As awful as those photos are, they are most certainly news. A friend of mine was nearly hit by a body when leaving his building.

Now, over a week after 9/11, I’m quite glad that stations like MSNBC have continued their continuous converage, but glad that some TV has gotten back to normal- particularly stations catering to children. But I honestly can’t imagine being interested in soap operas or music videos right now- I’m certainly not.

I think the news coverage has been excellent thus far. I think there’s been a good balance of hard news and more personal stories. How can anyone watch Howard Lutnick of Cantor Fitz talk about his missing brother and coworkers without feeling his pain? One other particularly touching moment that stands out in my mind was when Tom Brokaw first saw the picture of firefighters raising an American flag at ground zero and started crying. Even after all these years in journalism, he’s still unable to hide his emotions when it comes to this. That says something.

One thing that I do wish is that the networks would do differently is to use a different shot of the ground zero area. What I’ve been watching here in NY on NBC is a shot of essentially West St.- which in a way I don’t mind because I see my building all the time. But that’s really just looking at the street, and not the actual area where the towers stood. But until you see the aerial shots, you can’t comprehend how large the disaster area is- and how tough this is for the rescue workers, firefighters, and everyone else involved, no matter how remotely.

[This message was edited by Lily on Sep. 20, 2001 at 07:04 PM.]

[Jennasis]

What channel exactly are you watching?? I have YET to see any of my journalistic brethren SENSATIONALIZE anything that has happened so far. There is no need to. the events are pretty sensational all by themselves.

You don’t know ANYTHING about journalism, or what it takes to put together a newspaper or a news braodcast so step the heck off with your media bashing.

Everyone of the members of the media who were present at the time of the events DOCUMENTING it (not creating news) are absolutely traumatized by what they saw and experienced. We are lucky to be alive!

IN THE WAY??? We’re IN THE WAY??? I won’t even dignify that with a comment. The perception you have of the media is so warped and off base it isn’t even remotely funny. (PS…the paparazzi responsible for Princess Diana, and news media are two completely different things, and not comparable in any way shape or form).

Over 4000 people are missing and most likely dead and you have the GALL to complain about news coverage???

As far as the compassion shown for the families of those who jumped…from a practical standpoint…you can NOT identify anyone from any of the footage. It’s horrendous, but it happened live on tv. Some people weren’t watching at that exact moment, so they replay it to show the tragedy of t all. I’ve been watching every channel nearly 24 hours straight and saw ONE shot of a person jumping…and I only saw it once.

You’re lucky…you can turn off the tv any time you want and escape it. Those of us who live and work in NYC cannot escape it…EVER.

There isn’t a channel on the air…at least not in NY, that isn’t focused entirely on the rescue/recovery, volunteer effort and the hunt for those responsible. Will the footage of the crash be shown again, and again…you bet. It hurts…it makes me cry to watch it…but we can never EVER be allowed to forget.

I am angry. Angry at who did this, the heartless monsters. And at the moment, i’m angry at how obtuse your being. but I understand that it is hard for you to even begin to comprehend what we see here. You just can’t expect the world to “go back to normal” only 4 days after the greatest tragedy on American soil took place.

This is for you Glen…we won’t give up until you are found

[This message was edited by Jennasis on Sep. 14, 2001 at 03:33 PM.]

[Heidi]

I too would like to join the Beezer Fan Club. Thank you for sharing with us your most eloquent perspective.

I’d echo your wishes to stay safe - along with a great big virtual hug.

[Erin]

And JMHO…

It’s up to an individual to decide when they’ve had “enough.” It’s the job of the news to make all the information available for those who want it.

Yes, the instantaneous nature of news these days is different, and disconcerting. And yes, news people can often be idiots… I’m not the biggest fan of TV news, in particular.

But like many people, I suspect, I have been completely unable to tear myself away from the news – TV at home, radio in the car, internet at work. When I need a break, I’ll decide that, thanks.

I get really tired of seeing the media beat up. No, they’re not perfect, but they have a job to do like everyone else. Just read the posts from Jennasis and Beezer, and you’ll see that newspeople are not the heartless rumormongers some make them out to be.

I read a quote from a well-known news photographer (Reuters, I think) who took some photos of people jumping from the windows of the WTC. He said he hesitated at first, unsure of whether he should take such photos… but then decided he was in position to record the events for history, and pressed the shutter.

[Cactuskate]

Thank you Beezer, I was reading along, trying to come up with some rant.

All I was prepared to say to Velvet was,

Why don’t you get all of those “folks” together that as you said, you hang around with, have an f-ing tea party, and we will give you a wake up call when it is all over.

You and Jennasis said it much better, well duh!!! being professionals and all…thank you both for doing the very hard jobs you do.

“The older I get, the better I used to be, but who the heck cares!”

[Kryswyn]

I don’t have TV or cable or satellite.

I’ve seen only a few hours of TV news since this began at a friend’s home that night. The rest of my images of this tragedy come from the photos posted on the web. They are pale in comparison to the TV images shown Tuesday night.

As horrifying as some of them are, the TV pictures are worse. I am not someone who enjoys people’s pain; I’ve asked reporters to move on at the funeral of a well-known, respected family friend. The point being that the funeral was news, not my grief.

But the picture of a person leaping to their death rather than burn or be crushed is a dramatic moment and yes, it is news.

God forbid it takes years to track down those responsible, but if it does, the pictures that are so terrible now will remind us of what we felt when it comes time to deliver justice.

~Kryswyn~
“Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo”

[AWIP]

“Because this is a free country you can put some lovely happy movie in your VCR or play some gentle classical music and I won’t condemn you for being shallow or hard hearted.”

Most of us are far enough away that we can’t do anything but agonize. Is disconnecting and escaping so that we may continue functioning in something like a normal state of mind shallow, hard-hearted or merely survival for any of us. I know alot of people at my workplace who are wrecked today simply becuase they felt they couldn’t disconnect. What is this gaining them? What is this gaining anyone?

Has anyone considered that the reason Velvet put up this thread is because seeing all this hurts her so g-d much and maybe thinks the onslaught is causing others even more anguish? Stop being so flipping cruel!

[Jennasis]

NONE of you work in television news. NONE of you know…or could ever begin to know, the kind of trauma the reporters, photographers, and camermen have experienced in this tragedy. For that matter, NONE of those air-headed talentless anchor people, or station managers that get to hide behind the safety of the news desk have any idea what it was like. God willing, NONE of you ever will. I am a cameraperson…I got to see it all.

How DARE anyone of you judge us? Do you think we enjoy being out there?? Do you think we were happy to be bringing you those pictures?? Do you think we aren’t saddened beyond belief to be faced with those who were in the buildings, asking them to describe what they saw?? Do you know how many reporters were crying (man and women) hysterically??

YOU WEREN’T THERE. We were. We had a job to do (awful as it was, and awful as it is). We are obligated to keep you informed. Feel free to turn off the television anytime you want.

(PS…I’m in the process of looking for a new job. I can’t live like this anymore).

As far as “ending the media blitz” Velvet et al…Don’t you understand that this is bigger than Pearl Harbor? Don’t you understand what’s happened? YOu know this is just the tip of the iceberg. we are at the threshold of what could become Worl War III, or at the very least a war of some kind.

[Coreene]

On the advertising side again, we are starting to lose some contracts. A few companies have canceled their ads and asked if they could reschedule later, feeling either that their line of work and/or their particular campaign may be in poor taste, given what has happened. We are strapping ourselves down, too, from the other side of the US.

My parents’ travel business is also taking a huge hit.

[DMK]

… because I was also initially upset by the networks that chose to show that footage…

But this is what I have to ask of those that felt showing us a person falling to their death was inappropriate. How does this differ from showing the towers being hit or collapsing? Were the deaths of those people less horrific? Less real? Does seeing an image of a person somehow make their tragedy more real? Is that a reasonable response?

Also, on another thread I read that someone felt that showing the images over and over numbed us to the tragedy of it all. I suspect we are numb because that is how we will cope with it, and has nothing to do with seeing the image over and over. If you were eyewitness, I’m sure your mind’s eye is replaying it at a far greater frequency than the media.

And maybe I am different, but I cannot watch footage of the USS Arizona and other ships at Pearl Harbor without feeling grief and anger, I cannot watch the Zapruder film without crying and feeling helpless, I cannot see that footage outside that hotel in Memphis without feeling an incredible sense of loss. With the exception of the Zapruder film, I was not present at any of these events (and quite truthfully I was way to young to understand what happened that day in Dallas), but I have a sense of grief and understanding that is real and acute. I suspect this is in part due to the historic footage. I doubt I will EVER truly be numb to the events of September 11, 2001.

[Erin]

Velvet, you’re certainly entitled to your opinion… but I find it kind of offensive that because YOU don’t want to see certain things, you don’t think anyone else should. Many, many people here have said they were glued to the TV for most of last week. I read a story in the paper about how many people are actually going to “ground zero” because they want to see the devastation in person. Many have said they felt weird about it, but felt they “needed to do it.”

If you prefer not to see it all, fine… but why on earth do you think you should dictate what everyone else sees? I don’t want anyone but ME to decide how much news I should have. I want the news stations to offer absolutely all the information they can.

I also find your comments about protecting those who might not be “smart” enough to understand all this downright disturbing, so I’m just not going to go there.

Yes, I want them the news stations to be sensitive to their impact on people, and they probably need some lessons in that. But who was prepared for this? Certainly not the government, not the airlines, not the public… why do you expect more of the media? Why do you expect them to have behaved with some kind of far-reaching foresight within 24 hours of this kind of inconceivable event that happened in their backyards?

And I honestly don’t understand your problem with news crews reporting at the scene. Do you think the talking heads should just sit at their news desks and describe for us what is going on? Why in the world should we have television if we’re not going to use it??!

I have not heard one single report of a news crew needing to be “rescued” from the WTC. I doubt they were charging up the stairs with the firefighters. Yes, they were there on the scene – like the rescue workers, when everyone else is running AWAY, they are running TO the scene. THAT IS THEIR JOB. And it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that some had tried to sneak around police barricades or something – it’s wrong, it’s stupid, but it probably happens. I’m sure there were regular citizens trying to do the same thing.

And yes, as is so sadly evident by the person who died from Jennasis’ station, I’m sure that just like the emergency workers, some were lost when the building went down. But, like the rescue workers, IT IS THEIR JOB to be where the news, and the danger, is.

If you don’t like it, don’t try to get a job as a cameraperson or reporter, I guess…

[Erin]

Gee, Velvet, I’m sure that the member of Jennasis’ staff that’s missing has a “problem” with being in danger too.

It’s part of their job. Same as the war photographers. There’s a reason for the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words.

I think I’d better go post on the “I pledge” thread before I say what I really think…