Graphic Images Speak More than 1000 Words

Dani Dean
dd929212@ohio.edu

Graphic images can make or break a story. Either journalist will be applauded for being daring enough to reveal the explicit content of the story so the audience will better understand. Or the journalist will be scolded and shunned for corrupting the eyes of the innocent with the horror of the images released to the world.

I believe graphic images attached with journalism should be more widely accepted. A journalist can write 1000 words to show readers the terror of war, or the hostility of a crime scene, etc. But by including a photo that story can instantly gains 1000 more words. A picture instantly evokes an emotion and a connection in the reader. Graphics images can be necessary for an audiences understanding of an event.

For example: The Ray Rice elevator video. Yes, yes I know it is a story that has been repeated on every news station. But if that video was not released the NFL would still be looking at domestic violence cases lightly. Rice would be back in the game this weekend after his initial two game suspension. This graphic video hitting the public sparked a movement within the NFL and with domestic violence across the United States. Without this video no one understood the frightening severity of this case. There are still things we as journalists have to put into consideration.

Ethical Issues & Conflicts

A journalist’s first job is to serve the public by informing them the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If it were simple graphic images would be released with all stories covering explicit topics. But that is not the case, and journalists have to put specific ethical issues and conflicts into consideration.

Public Safety Concern: If releasing these images puts the safety of others in jeopardy should they be released? It is an issue that changes with specific photos, but it is something that needs to be discussed with others before letting the picture lose.

Exposing What is Actually Happened (Truth): There is nothing better than the truth. But will it do more harm than good? This is a topic I am excited to explore deeper as the semester goes on.

Truth vs. Patriotism: Many graphic images come from wars. Before exposing the images to the world think if you as a journalist will be hurting the reputation of the US military. And if you are, do you still want to publish these images?

When it comes to releasing graphic images it will never be a black and white decision. So much of it goes down to the core journalistic ethics.

Ethical values that come into play

a.     Seek the truth and report it

b.     Minimize harm (think about the consequences)

c.      Act independently

d.     Keep stories in context

Whatever choice you make about graphic images, make sure you are not wishy-washy about it. Stand strong in your opinion and understand every aspect of the argument against releasing that image. Look into all ethical views of the subject and make the best decision.