CURRENT THREADS
Death of the Press: The mishandling of tragedy on the part of journalists, journalism and media outlets. KIM MANNION Thousands of job cuts at mainstream media al media. Sadly, this does not always happen outlets. Social media sites on which anyone and there are notable examples of times when can be their own broadcaster. A president of the press have rubbed salt in the wounds of the USa who slurs ‘fake news’ at any report- victims rather than simply doing their job of er who might ask an uncomfortable question. reporting and informing on it. The Sun, for Threats and challenge clearly loom over the instance, is widely banned from being sold journalism industry, and as a cornerstone of across Liverpool after its scandalous reportdemocracy, it is vital that we protect it. But ing of the Hillsborough disaster as it implied what happens when it doesn’t protect itself? blame on to the implicated football supporters. On August 12th, three people lost their lives Attempting to understand why people choose in the tragic derailment of a train near Stone- to buy publications which thrive on scanhaven in Aberdeenshire. Rather than thoughts dal and drama rather than facts and qualbeing with the families of the victims or the ity reporting is unhelpful. Consumers have injured, #BoycottTheSun trended on Twitter the right to choose any paper on the shelf. after The Scottish Sun ran the ridiculously Blaming those who purchase them reinsensitive headline ‘Death Express’, next to moves the responsibility of editorial deciwhich a picture of the train driver who per- sion-making from the publications themselves. ished in the disaster was printed. One newsagent in Stonehaven has already announced The relationship between reader and publicathat it will cease to stock the red top. The pa- tion as one of a consumer and product is likely per’s editor, Alan Muir, has since apologised. why editors feel the need to resort to scandal and dramatization. Tabloids focus more on profReporting tragedy in a responsible way is sure- it rather than the traditional civic role of media ly the least we can expect from our nation- in a democracy which is one of public service.
18
