Your tv news, media should respect individual privacy?
By zandi458
@zandi458 (28102)
Malaysia
March 15, 2009 4:06am CST
Last night I had the rare chance of watching our local tv news, only when my cable connection is having problem and could not surf the net. This is a rare occasion for me because I have long gotten out of the habit of watching tv. I must say it was instructive. In the first place I had not realized that it now takes one hour to give us the news I could not believe it was going on and on. But what was there to fill all that time?
There were endless stories about war torn countries, pictures of corpses strewn all over the places, a sight that makes your heart bleed to see the end of human life. There was also the stories of the unfortunate citizens who have been incapacitated for some reason or other and have to be cared for by their family members. This is all very well and is one way of soliciting assistance for them. But was there really a need to show these poor souls half-naked in their beds, their gaping bedsore showing? Was there a need to show their urine bags and discuss their problems with disposing of waste matter? Did it really serve any purpose to show these helpless people lying there in their misery for all the world to see?
I know there must have been a good intention to begin with. These people need help so we should tell people about them. But how do we tell people? What is it about the media people that empathy is so much lacking? If you were ill in bed, would you really like a tv camera recording you at your most undignified for an audience of several million to see?
I think people in such dire straits must be respected as human beings. One does not have to sacrifice dignity in order to gain sympathy.
6 people like this
19 responses
@mysdianait (66005)
• Italy
15 Mar 09
It makes audience. If they don't tell you and show you all the grim details no-one would watch 
It's just the same here in Italy. The more they can show about the smallest inside details then the more people are watching. I can't stand it when someone is killed and they interview the neighbours - who probably never knew the person well in the first place. They interview people and their opinions become facts, which is wrong.
It's just the same here in Italy. The more they can show about the smallest inside details then the more people are watching. I can't stand it when someone is killed and they interview the neighbours - who probably never knew the person well in the first place. They interview people and their opinions become facts, which is wrong.
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
19 Mar 09
Hmm... I have never seen it from the point of view you have given.
Most of the time, I would be feeling sorry for these people. And if it is a charity show, I would most probably donate some money as well.
Come to think of it, I am playing right into their way!
But you did raise a valid point about preserving the dignity of these people who are sick and not in their best of days for filming.
But I am sure that permission was also sought before the filming is allowed right? Sort of like a code of ethics for these reporters and camera crew. No? 
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
20 Mar 09
Maybe it is not shown in your local tv but ours have been drumming this sort of human miseries repeatedly which leave a bad taste on the viewers that lingers on the mind for long period of time. It is disgusting to say the least of how unprofessional the media can be when it comes to sensitive personal life. Maybe permission has been sought but the poor victim doesn't know the extend of the exposure and coverage they got.
1 person likes this
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
15 Mar 09
i agree zandi.but somehow the privacy does not account anymore because they are discussing in germany that even your bank account the government can control or see it now and put cameras house to house.what a crazy world
1 person likes this
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
17 Mar 09
opsss yes i changed my avatar and thanks for the compliments
1 person likes this
@ivan2000bd (1009)
• Sweden
15 Mar 09
Media is like a mass communicator through out the whole country. the main purpose of the organizations is to ensure the proper news to the public to know the real situation. whatever it is.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58679)
• Delhi, India
17 Mar 09
I agree with you sometimes gory details are shown on TV news programmes and some of the visuals could be quite disgusting and repulsive. I avoid watching those channels, which show this kind of horrifying stuff day in a day out. I better watch some informative of entertainment channels, whenever I get time to see TV.
@dpk262006 (58679)
• Delhi, India
20 Mar 09
I deto your opinion and I also prefer surfing on the net or mylotting, instead of watching silly and senseless programes on TV. I love sport, therefore, sometimes, I watch cricket matches, Live.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
20 Mar 09
That is the reason why I do not watch much of tv news. The media is feeding us with senseless news that is far from the real situation. Rather then watching and be made to feel bad about the sufferings of human lives I would rather spend my time surfing the net. It is not that I am losing my compassionate heart but the bad reporting create a kind of uneasiness in me for a long time and the pictures keep flashing in my mind. Tv programmes have become a secondary entertainment for me now.
1 person likes this
@Annmac (949)
•
16 Mar 09
Would you have taken much notice if they hadn't shown those graphic images?
At least it got you to start this discussion and thinking about the plight of the unfortunate people who are in that situation.
Those people being filmed are doing it because the gentle approach has never worked!
I am a care-worker so I see the plight these people are in every day through my work and I know through personal experience what it's like to be the 24hr unpaid family carer too.
No-one SHOULD have to sacrifice their dignity to gain sympathy but these people have to sacrifice their dignity just to be cared for! When total strangers are coming in and washing and dressing you and dealing with those problems for you, you get the 'dignity' taken from you.
I could tell you what some of my worst jobs have been and you'd listen and then forget about it! Not because you don't care or aren't sympathetic, but because in today's hectic world you've your own 'worries' to think about. If you saw for yourself what it was like, you'd remember it longer!
I hope it shocked more people! If it makes one person stop and think 'How can I help' and mean it, it's served a purpose!
These people don't need sympathy, they need help!
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
20 Mar 09
I agree with you here. Only shocking news shake people up and you're right if I have not seen such a 'bad' images this post could not have been possible. That is all in human nature that needs 'electrocution' to open up their eyes and heart to miseries suffered by people who are in dire needs.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
15 Mar 09
I'm sure the reason why these unfortunates are shown on television is to inspire a sense of charity in those who have something to share. Did not Jesus say that what is done to the least of out bretheran is what is done to him? Many people have something to share, whether it's money, food, clothing, time or medical care...any of these things would make a huge difference in some of the lives that you see covered on your local news. The problem is becoming, with all of the upheaval in the world and economies, that there are more people needing and fewer left to give. If there is any tourist trade in your country, those reports also are hoped to trigger donations made from travelers too, many of whom are well able to give.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
17 Mar 09
That may be the reasons but it is disgusting to see how the cameraman focus on the poor victim lying helplessly in bed. I am not aware that anyone have ever approach tourist for donations but we do have welfare departments and politicians to care for those needy patients. Of course public donations are expected and most welcomed. That's way I think the media come to play in getting public awareness.
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
17 Mar 09
In this country, the horribly graphic stuff is generally not shown. I would think that there's a fine line between grossing people out, and making them feel sympathetic and want to donate. Perhaps the media could tone it down a bit to see if there is a difference in amounts given.
For tourtists who feel they want to donate, it's usually through organizations (unicef, catholic charities, red cross, etc.), not directly.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
20 Mar 09
Hello my friend zandi458 JI,
"One does not have to sacrifice dignity in order to gain sympathy"
I was arrested with this sentence. But, media has to earn. In particular, you might not
lioke to watch those things, but there are more than you, those who like to watch only
those items. So there , that they produce such things. All your discussions are matching
with your following slogan. So you feel all this.
[b]"If wealth is lost, nothing is lost,if health is lost something is lost, if character
is lost, all is lost"[/b]
May god bless you and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
20 Mar 09
You took the pain to extract the slogan in my profile, I feel so touched by your deeds and remind me of these great words which have been close to my heart. Yes, most of it shape my thoughts and unconsciously put into my posts. Our very world is shaped by words we express and images we create. Words are effective when truth is combined with sweetness.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
25 Mar 09
I am so proud to receive that kind words from both of you. As you know I have been interacting with your hubby first and he never fails to support my discussions as well as you. Thanks May. I will always cherish this great friendship of ours especially now that I come to know both of you. Regards to Mr Chintoo. 
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
25 Mar 09
Hello my friend zandi458 JI,
So nice of your comments. So, I alongwith my hubby consider you as an extra-ordinary
person by intellactuality and it is not necessary for two or more to meet in person to
show their bondness. Our concept of living tellies and that is more than sufficient to
gain happiness. Afterall, you are of my 'Daughter or DIL's ' age. May God bless you
and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
16 Mar 09
To be honest I stay away from the news these day and have for years. The media is very good at over exposing everything. The 24 hour news channels are the worst they just recycle the same stuff and word it in a different way.
I feel happier in myself when I don’t have a media overload going on. I for one would not like the intrusion of the media in any part of my life even if my story was money worthy.
1 person likes this
@krajibg (11922)
• Guwahati, India
17 Mar 09
Yes, the fourth pillar of democracy is all corrupt. I was in the frepoting foeld for more that 5 years and have known that that the media - both print and electronic are corrupt to the core.
If they feel they would go to any extent, forget about the urine and other aspects. What the need to focus now is the 'masala' thing or say the spicy things. And they have a good perception of the nerve of the people and therefore they go to the extent of exaggeration.
It is too corrupt and the best thing would be you do not get carried away by these stories.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
17 Mar 09
At last I see you here, where have you been? Oh.. I didn't know you were once a reporter and that explains why you write very well here. It is an asset that you can now make use of in mylot and other places. You have finally opened the can of worms in the journalistic world and am pleasantly surprise that corruption thrive in this highly respected field, which I thought is only rampant in politics and Government. It must be a high flying job to be a reporter as it only need a bit of spice to fabricate a news report and expect to be rewarded handsomely on or under the table incentives. I know now that news report can only be rated 50% true and the rest are fictitious stories.
@dpk262006 (58679)
• Delhi, India
17 Mar 09
I agree with you sometimes gory details are shown on TV news programmes and some of the visuals could be quite disgusting and repulsive. I avoid watching those channels, which show this kind of horrifying stuff day in a day out. I better watch some informative of entertainment channels, whenever I get time to see TV.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
15 Mar 09
very well said!! they never show anything on the news but horrible things. i quit watching the news fior awhile just for that very reason. it bothered my going to sleep when i had to get up & go to work. since i can't work anynore i do watch it but it can be very depressing. i don't think they should be taking people's dignity away by showing them like that. i guess the reporters would show anything to get a story on. i'm glad i'm not a reporter because i'm sure i wouldn't have a job for long.
@hotsummer (13919)
• Philippines
15 Mar 09
i too think that the media is somewhat exploiting this people. but sometimes though we should see how they suffer for us to see and feel what they are going through. but sometimes that we know that media is going too much in their method of delivering news and they don't put themselves in the place of the individual. i don't say that media generally do that or all of them. but there are lots of instances that we can't understand why these media seems to be like insensitive towards the feelings of others. cause the people they put on the news have feelings. and it is not that they will be happy to be featured in the news even though they are in such a state of life. i think that what they need is not only being given attention and news about them. they need actual care and attention, action and empathy.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
15 Mar 09
The only thing that I can think of is that we have become so jaded that it take the most intimate details of reality to touch our hearts and make us sympathetic toward peoples immediate needs. If they show to much of this people will again be jaded toward this disclosure, it's part of the human survival that the brain desensitizes when exposed to very much bad news. Some things move us for longer periods of time, starving children for instance.
@jjstream (313)
• United States
27 Mar 09
The media want to capture the emotion of the situation as always, but they seem to cross the line on a regular basis. In this day and age, the media are under enormous amounts of pressure to come up with heart warming stories at any cost to fuel the ever so demanding 24 hour news cycle. On the other hand, people consider the media an avenue to get accurate, reliable information that they could use to make informed decisions about helping others, and sometimes the raw footage of people suffering, can be a powerful motivational tool.
