Posted on 04/19/2007 1:39:56 PM PDT by fight_truth_decay
NBC News's decision to telecast portions of the video material it received Wednesday from Virginia Tech killer Cho Seung-Hui, material that was disseminated by other print and electronic news divisions, provoked reaction that moved the news division to release an explanatory statement Thursday.
It did not quell negative reverberations, including the cancellation of appearances on NBC's "Today" show Thursday in protest of the decision made by NBC News. The network also imprinted the NBC News credit on everything released to other media from the package it was sent by Cho.
In one of the on-air moments of recognition that NBC News' decision was not a unanimous one internally, "Today" co-host Matt Lauer said Thursday morning that there were "some big differences of opinion right within this news division as to whether we should be airing this stuff at all."
"The Virginia Tech killer's death wish has come to pass," Accuracy in Media editor Cliff Kincaid said in a statement released Thursday. "NBC is playing into the cold dead hands of a mass murderer, exploiting his paranoid delusions for ratings and profit. This is exactly what he wanted."
However, Mr. Kincaid also said NBC News should make the entire contents available for "public inspection" on the Web.
The NBC News statement began with an acknowledgment that "the pain suffered by the Virginia Tech community, and indeed the entire country, is immeasurable.
"Upon receiving the materials from Cho Seung-Hui, NBC News took careful consideration in determining how the information should be distributed. We did not rush the material onto air, but instead consulted with local authorities, who have since publicly acknowledged our appropriate handling of the matter," the NBC statement continued. "Beginning this morning, we have limited our usage of the video across NBC News, including MSNBC, to no more than 10 percent of our airtime.
"Our Standards & Policies chief reviewed all material before it was released. One of our most experienced correspondents, [Justice Department reporter] Pete Williams, handled the reporting. We believe it provides some answers to the critical question, 'Why did this man carry out these awful murders?'" the statement continued.
"The decision to run this video was reached by virtually every news organization in the world, as evidenced by coverage on television, on Web sites and in newspapers. We have covered this story—and our unique role in it—with extreme sensitivity, underscored by our devoted efforts to remember and honor the victims and heroes of this tragic incident. We are committed to nothing less."
What do you think about NBC News?s decision? Leave your comments and join the discussion here.
They opened the package after they realized who it was from. Can anyone say “tampering with evidence”?
But I thought we all agree here that NBC should have handed the USPS priority mail package over to the FBI unopened ? We all agree that the investigators should be covering some aspects of this case up.
You said — “I’m disappointed that I can’t see all of the materials unedited. Not that I think there is some sort of Islamic connection or conspiracy, I just find this sort of case very interesting.”
Well, it’s true that it’s either one of two ways. Either you leave it in the authorities hands, and they make all the decisions and you (as the public) have no oversight and no knowledge (and that promotes coverups) — or else — you release all the information to the public, and then they can see for themselves if what the authorities are saying is true and if there is something else there that the authorities are not addressing.
I guess it’s a matter of holding the authorities accountable to the public. But, you can’t hold them accountable — if — the authorities *control* the information that gets out to you. That’s a *fundamental* thing in a free society.
Regards,
Star Traveler
You said — “They opened the package after they realized who it was from. Can anyone say “tampering with evidence”?”
If a package is addressed to me — I’ll guarantee you I’m going to open it up first *before* anyone else gets their hands on it. No one is going to keep that package from me, no matter if it’s from Stalin, Hitler or Pol Pot...
Regards,
Star Traveler
P.S. — *After* I open it and examine it fully, then I’ll give it to whomever I think I should (if anyone...)
Believe me, I have no problems going against large numbers of my fellow freepers. But I do see a difference between what NBC is doing, and fulfilling the intent of which you speak(full disclosure).
NBC is already “teasing” more material that is to be released. So they have actively decided to string this out as long as possible. NBC has pushed this material morning, noon and night. The are all but deifying this nut job.
They are saying, you too can have a hit TV show on NBC, if you kill many people, make a video and make sure to send it to NBC - That’s NBC studios New York, New York ...
With NBC’s actions of stringing this along proves that we are NOT getting all the material unsensored. They should realease it all on their website and show bits and pieces on the news with strongly negative commentary towards the mental health and manhood of this individual. What they are doing is a joke and anyone associated with NBC should ashamed.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
More Responsible Media
“During my radio show last night, NBC and MSNBC began releasing the video clips and photos of the material they’d received from the killer. It was NOT a difficult decision to refuse to play the audio on my show. And from 6:30 PM (eastern) for the next several hours, MSNBC played the video clips and showed the photos almost non-stop. I decried their conduct April 18th, 2007, as many talk show hosts have now. Let me suggest that most talk radio hosts are far more responsible and thoughtful than the people who run most big media outlets, especially NBC.” —Mark Levin
http://levin.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YmRhYmY1YzkyZGMwNTYyYTM1NWRhMmViYjdiZTAzODE=
I saw ‘commercials’ for the news on ABC last night, when I was watchign Lost, and they were saying they had the video and stuff and were implying they’d air it. I turned the TV off as soon as the previews for next week’s episode were over, but I was very unhappy, I personally know a couple people who had friends killed by that sicko.
What the government does and what NBC do are two different things.
I think NBC should not have aired one minute of it.
The shooter was dead by then.
You said — “But I thought we all agree here that NBC should have handed the USPS priority mail package over to the FBI unopened ? We all agree that the investigators should be covering some aspects of this case up.”
No, for one thing, when you read all the threads, that’s not what all agree to.
AND, if it’s me — I’ll guarantee you, when I get a package — I’m going to be the first one that opens it and no one else. It’s *my package* and I’m going to open it *first* and I’m going to examine it. Once I determine what it is and what to do with it — then others will get their chance. It’s *mine* and I get it first...
Regards,
Star Traveler
And network news wonder why their ratings are down. I can’t remember the last time I WATCHED a network news program.
Also, its extremely rare for me to even WATCH anything on the 3 major networks.
“All I know is it’s all God’s plan...”
Sure is!
Right down to the ecumenical religious movement where all religions are equal and need to be tolerated - all but Christianity - they’re “terrorists”. Amazing how even with in that group, CONTRARY TEACHINGS don’t matter either.
Romans 16:17
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
When you compromise truth, it’s no longer truth.
Divisions are created by teachings that are contrary to sound doctrine.
2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. [
You said — “With NBC’s actions of stringing this along proves that we are NOT getting all the material unsensored. They should realease it all on their website and show bits and pieces on the news with strongly negative commentary towards the mental health and manhood of this individual. What they are doing is a joke and anyone associated with NBC should ashamed.”
The stringing it out part is problematic. I’m guessing that they’re also stringing it out because they’re afraid to release it all at once. Another aspect may be that they’ve consulted with the authorities on it and they’ve both agreed to what parts to release and what parts to “hold” — because certain parts may be more instrumental in their investigation.
Now, for me — I would say *release the whole thing* — at once — and not have *anything* blacked out words or video or nothing. Get it all out in *one big release*.
Regards,
Star Traveler
1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press...
So whats your position ? The FBI should hold evidence and the public who is worried about increasing domestic terrorist attacks should not try to figure out what they are holding ?
AND, if it’s me — I’ll guarantee you, when I get a package — I’m going to be the first one that opens it and no one else. It’s *my package* and I’m going to open it *first* and I’m going to examine it. Once I determine what it is and what to do with it — then others will get their chance. It’s *mine* and I get it first...
Not very good advice considering the anthrax mailings and the Unabomber mailing attacks. If I don't know who sent me the mail, I DO NOT open it.
So, this opinion of yours is not shared — even in the FReeper community.
Regards,
Star Traveler
I don’t care if my OPINION doesn’t match those of other freepers! GEESH! What a childish reply.
I would NOY honor the last request of a murderer and grant his wish to shock others and haunt parents of what their loved ones went through. I don’t negotiate with terrorists, dead or alive.
LOL- WHO CARES about other OPINIONS? Here or on DU?
I don’t. My view is correct. I don’t have the love of gore mentality.
You said — “I think NBC should not have aired one minute of it.”
Well, I agree with the other FReepers, that I’ve read and that it should *all* be released at once. Now, if there are certain parts that are still being investigated, then at the “request” of the authorities, then one may hold up on certain parts...
Regards,
Star Traveler
P.S. — If I’m a witness to something and the authorities tell me not to say anything about it or keep quiet, I’ll tell them to “shove it” and I’ll say whatever I want to say and I’ll release whatever I want to release. That’s my *total determination* and it does not involve the authorities...
It is only fuel and inspiration for the next wacko.
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