The first half hour of this morning's "Today" offered an unusual window into NBC's decision to air some of the materials that the Virginia Tech killer, Cho Seung-Hui, had mailed to the network.Posted on 04/19/2007 5:31:08 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
The first half hour of this morning's "Today" offered an unusual window into NBC's decision to air some of the materials that the Virginia Tech killer, Cho Seung-Hui, had mailed to the network.
Matt Lauer introduced the topic.
MATT LAUER: It puts us in an unusual position, because obviously at NBC News we always want to cover the important stories of the day and the massacre at Virginia Tech is one of the most disturbing and tragic stories any of us will ever cover. But we're not used to becoming part of the story, and with this package that he sent us, Cho has made us in some way part of the story
MEREDITH VIEIRA: The decision to air some of the images he sent to us: the video clips and the photos and to discuss what was contained in that rambling and hate-filled manifesto was not taken lightly, it was not made quickly, and we understand that this is going to be seen as devastating to many people who lost loved ones in the shooting. In fact I will tell you that we had planned to speak to some family members of victims this morning but they cancelled their appearances because they were very upset with NBC for airing the images.
LAUER: And let's be honest. There are some big differences of opinion right within this news division as to whether we should be airing this stuff at all, that we're taking the right course of action. But we've made the decision, because by showing some of this material, perhaps it'll help us understand or answer the question 'why?' Why did it happen? If we can examine how a person who can say what he says and then do what he did, fail to be taken off the streets prior to committing these murders. But let me say that while we will show you some of what we received, it will be just a very small percentage. Because to be honest, after you see a bit of it you're going to get the idea. We feel strongly that this is not video that we need to run in some kind of an endless loop, and so we will severely limit the amount of footage that you're going to see.
Speaking with former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt later in the segment, Lauer even raised the possibility that in airing the video, NBC might be inspiring similar future crimes.
LAUER: Clint, you used to work for the FBI as a profiler. Can I ask you a blunt question? If you were still working for the FBI, still in law enforcement, would you want us to air this videotape?
VAN ZANDT: In a perfect world, no, Matt. But that's because I believe he's trying to re-victimize this campus by doing this and I think he's reached out from the grave and got us to carry out his mission in this. But we're not in a perfect world, and the reality is this information would get out. There would be other media that would get court orders, other people, tabloids. This would get out. So if it's going to be out, I think it should be out now where we can consider it, and allow this campus to move on and heal from this terrible wound that it suffered.
LAUER: Well let me take on an argument that's probably going to come in the next couple days or so. He references Klebold and Harris from Colombine. So clearly he understood what happened there. Media outlets over the last several years have shown that video of Klebold and Harris practicing with their weapons in the woods. So can't you make the argument, maybe this guy Cho saw that video, and maybe it inspired his act. So could this video of Cho inspire a future act?
Another guest, psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow, responded, supporting NBC's decision.
ABLOW: Well, when you use the word inspire, here's the way I see it. Long ago, the roots were sown for this man's violent act. And long ago, he identified himself as a person of concern. I think it's important to know this is the kind of dramatic thing that was happening inside him that no one saw, because maybe in the future we can take action earlier, now that people see the real pathology that was beneath the surface.
My two cents say NBC handled the matter appropriately. For that matter, while some liberal bias has seeped through, as here on the issue of gun control, all in all I give the MSM good marks for their handling of the tragedy.
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
Cho “manifesto” ping to Today show list.
Like CNN airing those sniper snuff videos.
I respectfully disagree. NBC’s airing of that video and the use of the killer’s self portraits as some sort of Quentin Tarantinoish “hit man” are an open invitation to every homocidal nutjob with a digital camera to go on a similar rampage in the hopes of posthumous TV notoriety.
I see the argument, but in this media age, I believe the material was bound to come out. If so, better it do so in the manner NBC handled it.
Bull they should show it all.
Who the F are they to be the self appointed media censors?
The MSM has no problem relaying secret military plans or video and photos from ongoing investigations into how terrorists are imprisoned... and rail that they are being ‘chilled’ etc... and suddenly they decide it’s OK to keep this stuff to themselves?
Screw them!
I know what you mean...but I think Van Zandt nails it here:
~snip~
LAUER: Clint, you used to work for the FBI as a profiler. Can I ask you a blunt question? If you were still working for the FBI, still in law enforcement, would you want us to air this videotape?
VAN ZANDT: In a perfect world, no, Matt. But that’s because I believe he’s trying to re-victimize this campus by doing this and I think he’s reached out from the grave and got us to carry out his mission in this. But we’re not in a perfect world, and the reality is this information would get out. There would be other media that would get court orders, other people, tabloids. This would get out. So if it’s going to be out, I think it should be out now where we can consider it, and allow this campus to move on and heal from this terrible wound that it suffered.
~snip~
NBC could care less about the families because they figure society is much sicker than those with compassion so they are trying to draw what they perceive as the majority audience.
This is being covered for no other reason than ratings, pure and simple.
And why couldn't they spend a lot more time on the one bonafide hero, Professor Librescu? THAT is whose picture should be shown!
We already see gangs and others taping their crimes.
We now have a culture, so to speak, where people will see a video on YouTube and copy it or try to "one up" it.
I don't watch NBC, but I had the same impression from watching FoxNews this morning.
NBC went for the blood ratings (like blood money, but in this case, it was a ratings bonanza and screw the families).
If NBC had refused to air the videos, there would have been all sorts of “cover-up” and “conspiracy” charges and people would have demanded that the public has a right to know. Eventually the videos would have ended up on the internet anyway.
I see and respect your position, but do think this is a tough call. Let’s remember that some here criticized the MSM for not showing video of the reality of the horror of 9-11. It’s a fine line.
BS, absolute BS, you make every effort to insert yourself into the story and spin it the way you want it go. If you were as principled as you want us believe you say you are the material would have been turned over the authorities unopened. Period. You are tampering with evidence. Stop the BS. Admit you have and agenda and that everything you do, say and report is done in support of that agenda.
In your own selfish way you have rewarded this animal for the evil he did. He sent you the material because he wanted the notoriety and you gave it to him without hesitation. Be honest, any discussion you had was not about whether or not to air the material, but rather how to provide cover for the firestorm you knew would result.
You have lied and manipulated and spun to further your agenda so much and so long that you no longer know the difference. You have fallen for your own propaganda.
I know shame is an unfamiliar word to you, MSM, but look it up and know that what you have done is shameful.
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