There is debate now as to whether or not NBC _ and every other news outlet in America _ went to far in showing to much video of Virginia Tech killer Cho Seung-Hui after his spree left 32 people dead.
Tough call for NBC, especially, which received a package from Cho with photos, video, writings and, to their thinking, at least some explanation, sick as it was, as to why he carried out these killings.
In hindsight, giving as much attention to Cho’s rantings looks out of line. Family members, rightly so, have expressed their disgust. So have many, many other Americans who believe the media played right into Cho’s hands by giving him a platform even after the killings.
The right thing to do would have been to turn over Cho’s package to the authorities. But it’s not easy because the media feels threatened by those who are attempting to diminish its freedom. A free press is one of the most important foundations on which America was built. Unfortunate, a free press isn’t a perfect one and we make mistakes.
I believe it was wrong for television networks and newspapers to put Cho’s image and words on screens and pages but I don’t believe it was egregious. Withholding news _ and this was news, like it or not _ is a slippery slope. Even to spare the feelings of victims.
But in this case, the media played into Cho’s hands. There had to be a better way.