A bit of my thinking about the media

A couple of things about the media are  on my mind today. I am not sure they should be in the same posting; because I prefer writing with a specific focus, but I am going with what I feel compelled to write.

Before I get into the subjects at hand; I feel a little (for lack of  a better word) disclaimer is needed.

I believe that a media safe from censorship is necessary in a free democratic country.  I believe that an open responsible media can help right wrongs and expose problems.

However, there are times when I don't think the media is being responsible and every now and then the media can be a bit inhumane.

One of those times occurred last night. The local news station I watch comes from Orlando, which is about an hour south of where I live. Unfortunately, an 11 year old girl was killed walking against the light on a busy street. Actually, as of  11 last night all that was reported was that one woman was killed and one critically injured. The reporting was good until the end. At the end they showed  video of a woman running down the street obviously crying and distraught. You could tell that the cameraman was running with the woman and you could hear the reporter asking the woman questions. So I think it's a fair assumption that the reporter was running with the woman as well.

I did not catch who the woman is but I figure she was either a relative of one of the victims, the driver who struck the woman or an eyewitness to the tragedy.  No matter which one she was; was that really the right moment to be running with her and asking questions? I don't think so.

I understand the need to gather information and tell what is going on. But with police on the scene and knowing that the victims names will eventually be released is it really necessary to basically harass someone who is emotionally distressed? I think the better, more responsible thing would have been to get the basic details from the police and get follow up details later.

The second media related topic is a story we are all too familiar with, Tiger Woods.  On  a couple of ESPN shows they did reviews of the years biggest stories. It is not shocking that he was one of the biggest stories. What I do think is wrong is that there are still people who think he should come out with the details about Thanksgiving 2009.

I have thought from the first time that I heard of this situation that the only people Tiger owed an explanation and apology to was his family. I understand his image being tarnished and losing sponsorships. There are consequences  for bad behavior. But he really did not hurt anyone but his family and the women he had affairs with.

I really don't see the point to knowing the lurid details. But I guess that's part of the gossipy TMZ  mentality that is way too pervasive in our society. Unfortunately we have to deal with bad things along with the good stuff sometimes.

And it is what it is.