Comments on: Journalists in Haiti: Crossing the Line, or Evolving Their Craft?

By: Eileen

Eileen — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:24:37 +0000

If you’re not creating the story as a journalist I don’t see the harm of stepping into a story that’s already there. I don’t see that as walking a fine line.
You are a human being first and a reporter secondary. At least that’s how it should be in my opinion.

By: Samantha@IW

Samantha@IW — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:07:29 +0000

Its such a literal disaster area I can’t imagine anyone not helping when they encounter an immediate need. The video of Anderson Cooper helping the inured boy was really touching.

Human life comes before human interest.
Well said Ann.

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 02:29:47 +0000

On its own, the ethics question is a valid one.

I also understand why this is a question of ethics. It didn’t used to be this way, did it? It seems to me that lines could be crossed, if the story becomes sensationalized. In the end, I do think it’s right that these reporters help while they are there if they can make a difference, especially medically-trained journalists.

I hadn’t heard about this story from Australia’s Channel Nine, Eydie. I agree that the reporters who put down their cameras to help should be commended for doing so, even if it meant they lost the better footage. Human life comes before human interest, IMO.

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:46:39 +0000

I don’t know if I would go as far as to say these reporters are crossing the line. I think these people not just Anderson Cooper, and Dr Gupta. It seems like all the people, Doctors, Nurses, rescue teams, that have been exposed to this tragic event, are having reactions. If you are any type of a human being at all, you must get involved. They are reporters, and exposing the depth of despair. My heart goes out to these people, and their babies, just watching the reporting!!. I can’t imagine being there in person. Saving a human life first before a story is the right thing to do. Videographer Richard Moran did the right thing!!

Then What? All the money us American have given is amazing!! We have no clue as to what other countries have given. My prayer is that the people of Haiti get the help, and not just the Goverment. So many Children are lost!! Taking the Children away from their home land, may be another tragic event in their life. There are 250,000 Orphans? OMG!!! Is it better to provide and care for them, here, or there? Twenty years down the road we may have the answer.

I for one am glad we have reporter like Richard Moran, Anderson Cooper, and Dr Gupta.

By: Anya@IW

Anya@IW — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:56:02 +0000

Eydie, thanks for this piece. I think you helped to clarify my own thoughts.

There are times when journalists need to step back from a story and not become part of it, but I don’t think this is the case in desperate situations where they can make a difference.

Mary is right that things have changed and we now view news “as it happens.” For all we know, reporters in times past assisted others too, but it just wasn’t recorded.

I didn’t know about the Ed Bradley story. That was very interesting.

As for Dr. Gupta, I saw part of the piece where the little girl was found. I didn’t sense anything other than a doctor (and a human being) intent on doing what he could in a country that needs so much. I haven’t watched as much coverage as some, but it has largely been CNN and I think they have done an excellent job of reporting.