보도 윤리 초고_우지원

[우지원]

Open Instagram. If one follows multiple media accounts, without having to read the first sentence of the post, the image briefly yet shockingly demonstrates what the report is about. It’s most likely another terrifying image of a terror attack happening in Gaza, or in Ukraine territory. People are becoming used to watching provocative images that the contents no longer seem too provocative as they would have been a year ago. Both news producers and consumers are at fault for this matter.

There is a constant pressure on journalists to use provoking titles and images to draw readers’ attention. Every day, countless news articles are published online and only eye-catching reports are chosen by the online users. Click means money. Just like many other jobs, Journalists are employees of private enterprises. If using provocative images means more clicks, journalists do not have many choices.

Provoking images generates huge responses on social media. The way people consume media has changed, and some expect more maddening, aggravating contents. Some even specifically look for the most clear and less mosaiced photos. Constant exposure to irritating images can lead people to become numb to it more and more. So when uploading offensive contents, journalists should ask themselves questions. Are the contents newsworthy? Can images help alert people and prevent similar events from happening again ?

Press ethics emphasize the respect for the sources. Journalists should not invade the basic rights and dignities of their sources, and they should have the highest level of sensitivity on human rights. That being said, when deciding on whether such a provoking image is really necessary, journalists should think about their sources, the people in the contents. Writers must always be mindful of their sources. However, such sensitivity can differ depending on their characters and their experiences. Therefore, discussing such issues with colleagues from all different backgrounds is crucial.

Shift on the main focus is also necessary. Last year, a family disappeared. Readers were bombarded with speculative articles regarding victims’ relationship, debts, and all kinds of rumors. When the family’s car was found drowned in the river, hundreds of provoking images and videos of the car, where the family members are still inside, were published. Yet, only very few news focused on the structural problems and measures to prevent such tragedy from happening again afterwards. Media should highlight the structural problems and solutions, not just provocative images for views.

Recent video of liberal Democratic Party leader being knifed was traumatizing to many. Before publishing such videos, journalists should ask themselves whether the visuals are truly necessary and think about the impacts they can bring. If not, images may set off a series of copycat crimes.

[UNGP]

공부와 준비를 많이 하고 쓴 글이라는 인상이 느껴져서 좋았습니다. 문제의 원인과 해결방안보다는 전반적인 상황설명에 글의 초점이 가있는 듯 합니다. 당위적인 해결책보다는 본인의 논지가 서있는 원인과 해결책에 집중한다면 더 좋은 글이 나오지 않을까 생각합니다. 수고하셨습니다.

[조혜윤]

수고하셨습니다! 저는 개인적으로 후반부에 제시해주신 사례 (가족 침수사건과 이재명 당대표 피습)들을 위로 올려서, 당위성 문단 뒤에 사례로 넣어주시면 지원님 논지가 더 뚜렷해질 것 같습니다!

예를 들어 3문단 후 가족 침수사건을 언급하면서 "언론은 그 일이 왜 일어났는지 구조적인 이유와 배경을 독자에게 제공해야 한다~" 는 논지로 끝나면 더 명확하게 읽힐 것 같아요.

잘 읽었습니다!