Should news reports bother with safety issues?

[Amati]

Many of us know the bbq safety rule: Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited. So a news story tonight caught my attention.

KITV had in their 5pm news a report about camping fees. They showed during an interview video a shot of a youth adding starter fluid to an already flaming bbq. My thought is that it is irresponsible of a news station to show such a dangerous procedure, for it encourages others to think that it is "safe" to do it.

This was not a report about safety, so there was no reason to show an unsafe camping situation. I can understand showing kids popping firecrackers when the story is about banning fireworks, or showing kids jumping off unsafe bridges when the story is about water safety, etc. But to highlight an unsafe situation (in this case, dangerously pouring starter fluid onto a flame), without adding commentary about it being dangerous, only encourages people to view the situation as acceptible.

Q: What responsibility does a news show have to not broadcast dangerous situations (that is, when it is related to the actual story)? When something unsafe is going on, should the news choose a different "shot" to show?

[foolish heart]

Re: Should news reports bother with safety issues?

I'd have to see it myself before giving my opinion.

Any link to the video?

[Kaonohi]

Re: Should news reports bother with safety issues?

Q: What responsibility does a news show have to not broadcast dangerous situations (that is, when it is related to the actual story)? When something unsafe is going on, should the news choose a different "shot" to show?

I'm with you. Broadcast TV should highlight safety issues rather than depicting dangerous behaviours.

Wait till some family sues the station because their kid said, "I saw it on TV, so I thought it was OK!" As his hands, arms and face are swathed in gauze.

[TuNnL]

Re: Should news reports bother with safety issues?

to highlight an unsafe situation (in this case, dangerously pouring starter fluid onto a flame), without adding commentary about it being dangerous, only encourages people to view the situation as acceptible.

Q: What responsibility does a news show have to not broadcast dangerous situations (that is, when it is related to the actual story)? When something unsafe is going on, should the news choose a different "shot" to show?

Despite the phrasing of your question, you are presenting three different options here: add commentary about it being dangerous, don’t broadcast it at all, or do nothing and let the story be. I would choose option one. The story need not be edited or changed in any way. The anchor, after allowing the video to play, can simply add “We want to add that KITV does not encourage anyone to spray lighter fluid on a fiery barbecue.” This is my best judgement based on your lack of a link to this story, which would’ve enabled a more informed opinion.

[Amati]

Re: Should news reports bother with safety issues?

I'd have to see it myself before giving my opinion.Any link to the video?

Sorry that was way back in May, I don't know if there is an old link or not. But, it was meant as more of a "general question", in which I'd given an example. It was not just about the one news report. It was about reporting in general.

"Should news reports bother with safety issues?" Thanks for giving thoughts to this.

[Amati]

Re: Should news reports bother with safety issues?

I'm with you. Broadcast TV should highlight safety issues rather than depicting dangerous behaviours.

Wait till some family sues the station because their kid said, "I saw it on TV, so I thought it was OK!" As his hands, arms and face are swathed in gauze.

Yes, that is my opinion also, to highlight safety unless the dangerous situation is an actual part of the story. Lawsuit .... or future injuries.... double .