A Snapshot of Editorial Thinking
Indianapolis Star Editor Dennis Ryerson
lays it out for readers who want to know why a
photo of a vulnerable Amish boy made the front page:
"My point this morning isn't to try to convince anybody that we handled
the photograph properly, even though I felt the photograph was a
compelling image from a terrible event. But I do owe you our thought
process ...
"We look at the alternatives, in this case, photos
that either didn't adequately convey the impact of the event or went
too far in showing bodies covered by bloodstained shrouds.
"Also,
we are aware that the Amish generally frown on being photographed; they
view photographs as graven images or displays of inappropriate pride."
Photo Director Mike Fender:
"On several stories, I have talked
with the Amish about members being photographed. All of them have told
me they are not opposed to photography as long as they are not posing.
"'We
talk about fairness and sensitivity regarding anyone involved in a
tragic news event ... The photo published was the best image to tell a very
difficult story. Losing five people in a traffic accident is not
pretty, and you can't tell that story visually with a pretty
photograph.''
This is a great example of journalistic transparency. Readers may not like the picture, but at least they can see through the lens.