http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/09/09/massachusetts.harvard.holocaust/index.html
http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528839
The ad was published by mistake. The editor of the Crimson has published an apology (http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528828) and the staff has authored an editorial describing the ethical obligations of the press to reject advertising that does not reflect the values of the paper (http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=528840).
It makes for fun reading. Besides, it's our school newspaper.
In next week's class about the legal aspects of journalism we will examine New York Times vs. Sullivan, a case in which the Times was sued for defamation because of an ad that it ran supporting the civil rights movement. Within the context of the Crimson incident and Sullivan, consider the ethical responsibilities that journalists have when they decide to accept or reject advertisers.
1 comment:
I agree with Lucas that as a "stand-alone photo" the graphic picture of Cpl Joshua Bernard is only gruesome and not very compelling and especially as compared with the other war photographs that Franklin sent us. What makes it effective and very compelling is in the format the AP chose to use the image-- the audio slideshow. Its relatively new utilization in journalism really lends itself to this piece and turns the event (and photo) into something very forceful. The composed and thoughtful voice of photographer, Julie Jacobson feels sympathetic and professional as she relays each detail of the horrific event. Her brief reasoning whether to continue shooting or help the soldier feels real, too. Jacobson's work and words give credence to a press corps often condemned for insensitivity.
The AP had reason to publish the slideshow because it fairly represents the war. As far as taking into consideration a family's reaction to publication of this or any sensitive photograph, I think this can never really be used as a gauge because reactions can differ greatly from family to family and even within families.
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