October 16th, 2009
Military eases on photo/video policy – but still censors
By David Cuillier
The military revised its policies on photographing and filming soldiers who are killed in battle. Embedding journalists “will not be prohibited from viewing casualties,” however, the military is prohibiting the dissemination of any visuals that show a face or other identifying feature. Any information about wounded soldiers can be released (in text or photos) only if the soldier provides prior written consent.
This revised policy for embeds, updated Thursday, is still unacceptable. Think of the most powerful images in history that impacted people – how many of those were blurry or pictured people as unidentifiable statistics? The coverage of war should be truthful, even if it is sometimes unpleasant.
October 17th, 2009 at 8:16 am
It would be interesting to get the perspective/opinion of several parties in this “debate.”
1) Family/friends of soldiers whose images are in question.
2) Embedded journalists or the editors of their news outlets affected by the policy.
3) Military officials responsible for the change in policy.
4) Journalism ethics gurus.
This is a prime opportunity for the journalism industry to engage in useful dialogue with the public and government. If ever there was a time to show that journalists cover war for the necessity of it – not for sensationalism or “bleeds it leads” mentality – this is it.