Dead People In Newspapers?

I was astonished yesterday, to see the dead body of Desmond Moran sprawled for all the world to see in The Daily Telegraph. Almost hidden from the waist up, puddles of blood are still visible, as Mr Moran lyes helpless, waiting to be rescued from the spotlight of the world.

Am I missing something? Since when has it been okay to publish photos of dead people in the daily newspaper? Why has The Daily Telegraph decided for themselves that Mr Moran's friends and family needn't be considered when choosing to publish a photo of their deceased loved one? Whether or not someone has led a criminal life, surely they're still entitled to the basic rights of privacy and respect after they've died?

To see a deceased person after the event in such a personal, vulnerable state is something that should reserved for close friends and family, not spread across the pages of national newspapers. I felt like an imposter, gasing on the dead body of someone I never knew nor cared much about.

Aside from the exploited rights of Mr Moran and his loved ones, what effect would viewing this photo have on a child? They could potentially be seeing their first 'dead person', possibly before they're ready, because The Daily Telegraph decided it was okay to put the image out there.

Has the power of the media become such that they're immune to abiding by laws and moral standards? Sure, The Daily Telegraph MIGHT apologise, as they did after publishing those infamous photos of 'Pauline Hanson', when it's too late to do anything and the photo/s are already out there for everyone to see, the damage already done.

As a regular reader and subscriber of The Daily Telegraph (and therefore smack bang in the middle of their target audience) I want to make it clear that I certainly don't want to be seeing anymore dead bodies, photos with unconfirmed origin or identity or stories with dubious motives when reading the morning paper. This isn't about 'freedom of press' it's about papers printing anything that will get them ahead of competitiors, with the latest 'exclusive' story or photo, whether it should be published or not.

My message to The Daily Telegraph; If you really aim to be publishing what your readers want to read, perhaps you should find out whether the general public is impressed by the recent publicity stunts we've had to endure.

Freedom Of Speech or Only To Agree?

Last month, Miss Universe America contestant Carrie Prejean (Miss California) expressed her opinions on gay marriage after being asked what she thought by panellist Perez Hilton. Much to the shock of the openly homosexual panellist and the world at large, Ms Prejean explained that in her family and in her home town, marriage was between a man and a woman and that she believes that's how it should stay. International media was abuzz and Ms Prejean admitted that by making her opinions known, she had probably sacrificed any chance she had of gaining the title of Miss Universe America away.

Now, photos have 'emerged' of a younger, naked Ms Prejean. Coincidence? I think not.

Ms Prejean addressed her critics today.

“On April 19, I chose to answer a question during the 2009 Miss USA pageant in an honest and personal manner that expressed my views of the long-established definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman... my comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street.

“... photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith... these attacks on me and others who speak in defense of traditional marriage are intolerant and offensive. While we may not agree on every issue, we should show respect for others’ opinions and not try to silence them through vicious and mean-spirited attacks.

“With that in mind, I will continue to support and defend marriage as the honorable institution it is. I will continue to stand with the overwhelming majority of the American people and the voters of my home state of California. If this whole experience has taught me anything, it is ...we as Americans can never allow anyone or any group to intimidate or threaten us to keep silent.”

Here, here!

Read the whole article here: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25437735-5001021,00.html

Quotes and image courtesy of The Daily Telegraph