Should news reporters be told by authorities not to air on TV a fragile scene ?
By bingskee
@bingskee (5234)
Philippines
August 28, 2010 10:13am CST
The world knows what happened in the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking tragedy. I had been repeatedly listening to news network representatives that not one authority was in charge in the crime scene to tell them not to air on tv the fragile scenes during the hostage drama.
I don't think that they have to be told. For consideration, these networks should have at least at that point forgot about media coverage of the hostage drama to earn viewers. For having the right sense, they should have known what could be detrimental to the situation. Nobody needs to tell them that. Channel 5 management decided not to air those scenes. Therefore, it is within their judgment call.
I felt very sad about what happened. A disgruntled policeman who took away lives is not a representation of the Filipinos. Filipinos are loving and hospitable people. They love peace and a resilient lot. What happened is an isolated case.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
13 Sep 10
bingskee,
Well, if the authorities does step in here, then I'd think there will be another issue your country will face and be criticized, which is suppression of freedom of speech and journalism.
Also, the hostages involved are foreigners, most of all tourists to your country and the media coverage was worldwide especially from Hong Kong and Mainland China. I don't think the authorities can really do much.
However, it would really help that your authorities had not treated the siege lightly and resolved it without the use of force at the very first opportunity presented. Thanks to the media, all these opportunities went by in front of a worldwide audience.
Yes, it is really sad indeed for the tragic conclusion of those who failed to make it out alive and return home. So, let's hope that this is and will be an isolated case and that it will never live to see another repeat.
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
13 Sep 10
i don't think it is suppression of speech, and against journalism, skysuccess. what they actually need are clear-cut policies about a hostage situation. some scenes they air in the telly are detrimental and could really affect the situation. it happened to that hostage situation where the hostage taker was watching tv inside the bus and he saw when the police apprehended his brother who had made a scene.
i have to admit that the police force sucked at it. there has a lot of learning to be done. there has to be resources and support for the police force, too.
i do hope this will not happen again.
appreciate much your comment. very witty. :-)
1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8858)
• Singapore
13 Sep 10
bingskee,
Let's not forget the television networks today is really very much different from former days and you will be shocked to learn what actually goes on inside these companies nowadays just to get that viewership percentage. It is really a keen battle out there and survival is really about viability.
I would not want to dwell into the specifics as it will only be fitting for another discussion but straight to the point intervention by authorities is not that straightforward and easy. Coverage at the networks' end is really beyond any logic or sense when jobs and survival are on the line.
It is really a difficult line to draw from all quarters.
1 person likes this
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
13 Sep 10
oh, yes, the negotiators... they failed big time.
am not saying the media have to be played out because i believe they are really vital for situations like this, but still, they could have been sensible enough to realize what could and could not affect the negotiation.
you are welcome. :-) your responses are thought-provoking as well.
@meemingNEW (2226)
• Philippines
28 Aug 10
No. I don't think in any way news reporters should be told not to air on TV live shots from that hostage taking in Quirino Grandstand. Like you said, if and if they have the right sense to consider the possibility that the hostage taker is watching their every move through the live streaming, the outcome could probably be different than what happened.
The news reporters did what they did; to report.
The policemen did what they did; enforce law & take out the hostage taker.
The aftermath: Both Failed in a major major way!
Channel 5 decided not to air those scenes, but how come some did? Yeah they're doing their job, freedom of the press my a**! What even sickens is me is that a station (which was my favorite or used to be) cleans their hands by saying whatever excuses they have. Overall, what's done is done. It's just so sad and disappointing but we can't live stuck in the past. The haters can say whatever they wanna say. For now, all I want to support are the ways to make the Philippine economy better and I just hope for a better Philippines. 
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
