Morals In Journalism

In September of 2009 the associated press released a photo of a marine dying on the battlefield, doing so against the wishes of the marines family. This has long been an issue of much debate and discussion around the nation. During the Gulf War in 1991 the Bush administration put a blanket ban on any media coverage of Honor Guard Ceremonies. This is an issue that many are very passionate about as it pertains to the fallen protectors of our nation and their honor. The argument of one side is: Pictures of fallen soldiers show the public that tragic truth about war and honor the soldiers. The counter argument to this is: The Associated press is not releasing these photos to honor the soldiers, they are releasing them to make money and cause controversy because that is what sells. At the very least permission from the soldiers family should first be required to release any photograph of a dying or dead soldier. The morality of the issue is this: Does the first amendment make it acceptable for the media to exploit U.S soldiers? Because the images may be newsworthy does it make it okay to print the image of dead loved one with a family and friends in the process of grieving? Soldiers and their families should have a right to privacy, and they will not be able to do so when they are in line at the grocery store and see their dead son on the cover of a magazine. Perhaps I am biased on this situation or maybe I have an incite, either way I have a brother serving his first tour in the Army in Iraq. In the event of an untimely demise I would think it would only be suiting for the Associated Press to obtain permission from the family to use an image of that content. The rights to a persons privacy are very important to the moral fiber of this country, we all exercise our right to it and when our rights to privacy are being altered we all lash out at the imposer. So again I ask, is it moral for journalist to make money off of ones honorable sacrifice?


References:
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/news/20090226/index.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2141549/associated_press_to_dead_soldiers_family.html?cat=9