Should the media be "allowed" to be present when flag draped coffins from Iraq or Afghanistan are taken off planes in the U.S.? The issue is back and is as heated as ever. Even the survivors of the men and women killed in action don't agree on it. Google "flag" and "coffin" and "media" for lots of stories, including a NY Times piece over the weekend . Speaking as a vet (Vietnam), and as a journalist (albeit a freelancer at the moment), I side with openness, with allowing coverage after considering two factors: 1) politicians can use a ban on photos to hide the true cost of a war, 2) I don't know any reporters who want to get in the face of people grieving over the loss of a family member. President Obama was asked about the issue in his last news conference, and said the Pentagon is studying it, including a look at what other countries do. It may be one of those issues with which you'll make some folks unhappy whatever you decide.
[The Monday Morning Media Memo is a regular feature of this blog.]
No comments:
Post a Comment