To the Editor,
Re: Media made it harder for mourners, Opinion, May 20.
Thank you to Chris Bush for his insightful thoughts on the insanity that was media coverage of the shootings at Western Forest Products mill.
I have been thoroughly disgusted for years on what has become a media circus any time there is a tragedy. Whether a ferry sinking in Korea, a missing plane in Malaysia or four people shot in Nanaimo, the media vultures are bound to show up and start sticking cameras in the faces of people who just need to be left alone.
This type of sensationalized coverage and absolute lack of respect has become so commonplace that I refuse to watch those stories on the news or read about them in the paper. I understand that there are plenty of looky-loos who thrive on this type of reporting. If it wasn’t profitable, it wouldn’t be done, but I am of the firm belief that the media outlets and they way they cover this type of story exacerbate the base instincts of those who hang on to every image of a grief-stricken family member or friend just trying to find a little peace among the madness.
I was taught that journalism is about the who, what, where, why and when. I do not see how intruding into the cloud of anguish answers any of those questions.
Melanie Kirkvia e-mail