Viewer Discretion: Graphic Images

Natalie Butko
nb861214@ohio.edu

With technology continuing to increase and capture much of what goes on in the world, graphic images are continuing to emerge after tragedies. Newsrooms are faced time and time again with the decision to publish images depicting mass shooting, plane crashes, violence, tragedies, and so on. If you find yourself having to make that decision, here are some things to consider.

In regards to ethics, you must consider your purpose for publishing a graphic image. Is this image something the public needs to know? Will the image change the story or meaning?  The Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics instructs journalists to minimize harm by showing compassion to those who will be affected. When deciding to publish a graphic image you must keep in mind stakeholders such as the person(s) in the image, their family, companies, and countries, to name a few.

If you have decided to publish the image, you may consider warning your audience of the content they will see. Before some movies and television shows, a warning pops up saying "viewer discretion is advised." This warning lets viewers know that the following content may be mature or disturbing to some viewers. These type of warnings are becoming increasingly used in the news.

Source: BBC News

Consider adding a warning to your viewers in these places:

1. Before the content in a live broadcast. If you decide to show graphic content in a live broadcast, have the anchor issue a warning of what is to come so viewers can change the channel if they chose.

2. Before a pre-recorded video. Similar to a live broadcast, if you have a prerecorded video on your website or social media consider adding a pre-recorded warning.

3. Text warning. Before being able to access graphic content, add a text warning about the content to follow. This can be done on images, videos, website links, and social media.

Warning your audience of the graphic content you are sharing is often the safest option. The choice to view the content is in their hands. Warning your viewers through more than one of the above methods is best.

If you decide to publish graphic images or not, it is important to be transparent about the process. Consider having a section of your website or publication that describes your process for publishing graphic images. Adding a footnote explaining why an image was or wasn't included can help your audience understand your decision. As Poynter explains, it is important to monitor your audience's reactions to your posted content so you can make a more informed decision in the future.

Deciding to publish a graphic image is no easy decision. It is important to consider your audience and their need to know. If you choose to publish a graphic image, consider warning your audience before they view it. This can be done in several different ways depending on the platform your content will be viewed. Finally, no matter what your decision is, be transparent with your audience and take their feedback into consideration for future decisions.