Luge Snuff Video: What Were the Networks Thinking?
Days after the luge accident that killed a Georgian Olympian, we still can't shake the disturbing images and sound of his body flying off the track at 90 mph and striking a steel pole. That trauma was delivered in full high definition by the three major networks, which all reached the same appalling decision to air the footage. (continued)
Days after the luge accident that killed a Georgian Olympian, we still can’t shake the disturbing images and sound of his body flying off the track at 90 mph and striking a steel pole. That trauma was delivered in full high definition by the three major networks, which all reached the same appalling decision to air the footage.
The father of the dead athlete has said he will not watch the video, but why should anyone have? Unlike the wilds of the Internet, the networks are expected to filter out content this morbid and exploitative. One can make the argument that network news ought to be more unfiltered in some cases, such as war. But this is different. This is a snuff film.
Worse, they all did it. Not one of the big three had the decency to uphold the most basic of standards. This is what television has become. Spare us Janet Jackson’s tit, but if someone’s head collides with a steel pole, give it to us with surround sound, again and again. — PZS
Sources: Washington Post, ABC News
Wait, before you go…If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
The president's hand-picked attorney general has put the Justice Department at the disposal of the White House, shredding the rule of law.
The highly favored executive whose pay ranks close to the top among U.S. CEOs will be succeeded by Bob Chapek, the company's parks chief.
In an interview with ABC, the Vermont senator warns his 2020 rival's latest proposal could harm workers' wages and suppress growth.
As the former vice president stumbles, donors and politicians scramble to prevent a progressive from capturing the party's nomination.
In an interview with ABC, the Vermont senator says, "Elizabeth ... has said that she is a capitalist through her bones. I’m not.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls Roberts "a trailblazer who forever transformed the role of women in the newsroom."
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.