by Janet Kipya
In the age of instant news, media houses are under immense pressure to be the first to break stories and keep the public informed during times of crisis. This urgency is particularly evident during protests and social unrest, where media outlets play a critical role in providing comprehensive coverage.
However, the pursuit of timely reporting often raises significant ethical questions, especially regarding the display of graphic images that could cause unnecessary distress and harm. This article delves into the need for media houses to exercise sensitivity when broadcasting such images, exploring the balance between the public’s right to know and the potential impact on viewers’ wellbeing.
On June 25, during the anti-Finance Bill protests across the country between 2pm and 4pm, K24 TV provided detailed coverage by displaying clear graphic images of the protests. In their special coverage, Total Shutdown, the station also invited panellists to their studio, who provided insights into the protests, which was commendable. However, during the live coverage between 3pm and 4 pm, when protestors breached the security of Parliament and police shot a number of demonstrators, K24’s live broadcast captured and aired the image of a protestor who had been shot dead, with graphic visuals that showed his brains scattered and blood flowing profusely.
The decision by K24 to display the image of the protestor was insensitive and unethical. It not only caused distress to the family and friends of the deceased but also to the wider audience watching the live coverage. The image was particularly disturbing given the circumstances of the protest, where police vehicles belonging were being burned, indicating a volatile and dangerous environment.
Such graphic content could have a profound impact on those exposed to it, leading to emotional trauma, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also perpetuate a culture of violence and sensationalism, which can be detrimental to society.
K24’s journalism violated the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya regarding the use of pictures and names. The code discourages the use of pictures of grief and disasters, as they can cause unnecessary distress and harm to those involved. The graphic image of the slain protestor clearly fell under this category, and K24’s decision to display breached of the code.
In conclusion, the incident involving K24’s live coverage of the anti-Finance Bill protests highlights the complex ethical landscape of broadcast journalism. While the media has a duty to inform the public, this must be balanced against the ethical obligation to minimise harm and respect the dignity of individuals. The unethical broadcast by K24 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics, particularly in the use of graphic images. Moving forward, media outlets must strive to find a balance that respects both their role in society and the ethical principles that underpin responsible journalism.
