By: Mike Brannen

When is it OK to air video in a newscast of a deadly event? I think too easily the media would answer: “no way.” But that’s not what happens in reality.

Footage from a deadly plane crash at an air show in Reno, Nev., on September 16 is certainly sensitive in nature. Amateur video captured the moment a World War II-era plane spiraled out of control and crashed by a grandstand. The plane doesn’t just skid down a runway; it nosedives straight down into the ground. The clip that got heavy airplay the following weekend had a “Courtesy: David Wilson” font over the video. It is hard to see the plane crash, but you do see a big smoke cloud rise up, the bleachers shake, and one of the most unnerving sounds I have ever heard. It is chilling, and it gave me goosebumps. One witness said it sounded like “a missile on steroids.” A newer, similar video that came out days later also showed the disturbing crash and aftermath.

I had to produce a Saturday morning newscast, a day after the incident. I chose not to air the crash in its entirety. During my show, I had the video edited to avoid the crash impact, and the corresponding sound of that impact. It is possible that because I was shaken by the video, I felt empathy for someone who might not want to see such destruction. I might be accused of withholding the “juicy” part of the video. But, I felt this was a situation where our station ran the risk of offending or angering our audience by airing the raw clip.
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By: Mike Brannen

I am baffled by people and pundits who think the coverage of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene was too much.

Let’s look at some facts:

• More than 40 people killed
• $7 billion dollars in damage
• 5 million without power
• Several states declaring a state of emergency
• Vermont, a land locked state, flooded.

This is the aftermath of a storm that was WEAKER than predicted. Imagine what would have been left behind if the storm had maintained strength up to Maine.

The media has the responsibility of monitoring impending danger, informing the public of what’s to come. Our contemporary media definition of “hype” is measured by how much one event is publicized before the event happens. If by that standard, then yes, the media hyped Irene by feeling obligated to warn how dangerous it could be. However, I disagree that it was “overhyped” because the damage was real and sizeable.

Sure, if the storm brushed by with minimal cost, the overhype claim is valid. But, in my opinion, Irene was a case where the aftermath warranted the hype.
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