How much information — and what kind — is too much?
I’m generally on the side of disclosing too much information, then letting people decide for themselves what it means; but I can see where the release of audio of Fox 61 editor Alice Morrin’s final moments might be viewed as 5 percent information and 95 percent titilation.
If Henry McNulty or Karen Hunter were still The Courant’s ombudsmen, I’m sure they would be fielding dozens of reader calls on the subject. Some would argue that this is a heartless and cold-blooded effort to win page views, and I suspect the numbers will, in fact, soar. Others will say it serves as a chilling but important illustration of the horror of domestic violence. The industry will debate this at length, too, I suspect.
I’ve set up a little unscientific poll on the issue (lower right rail) where you can cast a vote.
Though I suspect it would satisfy few, the editors could do themselves and their readers a favor right now by publishing an explanation of their rationale for making this material available. It would at least demonstrate the extent to which the issue was debated, and what issues were raised before the die was cast. (Traditionally, the argument that other outlets were publishing it has never been good enough for The Courant, but things can change.)
The fact that Morrin was one of their own adds a dimension to this issue, for sure. In any event, I hope the Morrin children never hear this recording.
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I haven’t heard the recording, and, honestly, I don’t think I’ll be able to bring myself to listen to it. But, somehow, I fear it’s inevitable that her kids are going to hear it, if for no other reason than the kids’ friends are going to be passing the link around.
Broadcasting (or posting audio online) of 911 calls has always disgusted me. It’s like publishing a graphic photo of a headless body at the scene of a car accident. It serves no journalistic purpose. I don’t think you’ll see anything in print or online about how the Courant’s editors made that decision. They wouldn’t talk to the New London Day about their decision to keep posting news about the hostage situation in South Windsor, something I think is fairly easy to justify, so they sure as hell won’t talk about this.
Paul, I wonder if I would have received any calls about the 911 tape if I were still in the ombud’s office. The world is so crass these days. If the media had access to MJ’s last words, I’m sure they would probably be released as a cd.
Ironically, I followed your link to courant.com but I could not bring myself to listen to the audio posting. Owen’s words were more than enough for me.
The elite should not decide which portions of reality we do or do not have access to. Confronting violence is an important part of life in that it allows us to understand what is possible and draw conclusions from that. We also find the media protecting us from images of the violence of war. Why treat us like children? The horrifying facts of life must be faced in all their reality.
What elite? Editors make decisions about what to publish every day. It’s how the process works.
It’s sad that the trolls visiting this forum lack the courage to post their identities. It kinda makes you wonder about them.