mind over matter

A photograph captures an event as no words can. But should a photo be used despite inflicting pain to the already grieving family of the picture’s subject? That is the ultimate question.

As the article raises the issue of The War Photo Limited Gallery for exhibiting destructive war photographs which left many locals fuming, once again it recalls photojournalism issue.

While Lester (1995) described photojournalism as the profession in which journalists make news-editorial images for print and screen media, photograph use continue to raise controversy and is under attack.

In fact, photographs is inevitably used and plays a major role in the contemporary media. Because images evoke almost immediate emotional responses among viewers, it creates tremendous impact with well chosen words, visual messages combine to educate, entertain and persuade. On the flip side, images also offend, shock, mislead, stereotype and confuse.

Similarly in the recent issue regarding Michael Jackson's death which OK! Magazine reportedly paid $500,000 for the 'last' picture of Michael Jackson being carried on a stretcher to be published on their latest issue cover, it stirs up controversy, leaving many readers fuming, upset and shocked.

As Vesely (2008) opined, ethics in photojournalism is overwhelmed by the power of photograph because photo is the story. And because seeing is believing, the picture of Michael Jackson possibly dying or even picture of a child lying in a pool of blood, it brings an event to an emotional pitch. It is not just facts that becomes news.

In my opinion, to place myself in an editor or photojournalist shoe, ethical concern still needs to be employed every time a photograph is used. As much as it provides sensation, it may continue to stir controversy in the contemporary media.

Lester (2005) too stated that, displaying sensational images, violating a person's privacy before the judicial process can function, manipulating news-editorial pictures to alter their content, stereotyping individuals into pre-conceived categories and blurring the distinction between advertising and editorial messages were journalism concerns in 1895, are important topics in 1995 and will be carefully considered issues, no doubt, in 2095. Professionals, academics and students owe it to their readers to be sensitive to unethical practices that demean the profession and reduce the credibility of journalism.

Therefore, it is imperative that whenever and wherever possible, ethical issues be discussed by all those concerned about the journalism profession.

Reference

• Hughes, R 2008, A photo that had to be used, viewed on 18 November 2009, http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/controversial-photos/a-photo-that-had-to-be-used/
• Lester, PM 1995, Photojournalism Ethics Timeless Issues, viewed on 18 November 2009, http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/photoethics.html
• The Power of Photograph, viewed on 18 November 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2051819.htm
• Vesely, J.F 2008, Bringing death close, viewed on 18 November 2009, http://journalism.indiana.edu/resources/ethics/controversial-photos/bringing-death-close/