Chapter 17 – Interesting Point
In chapter 17 I found it interesting and surprising to read about the extent to which innuendo and suggestion can cause defamation. The book states: “They do not have to rely on the words themselves being defamatory. The words or images need only make a suggestion or carry a damaging innuendo for a defamation to arise.” This reminded me of several ads and the programs which were aired before and after them, which we were shown in intro to communication. They showed a clear lack of tact and although the media outlet may not have realised what they did wrong, they were thought by many to be very bad taste. One of these was an OAK milk ad which followed a story concerning some form of boat accident in which people were injured. The ad can be found here:
http://www.youare.tv/watch.php?id=2591
There will always be slip ups such as these by all media organisations, it is human to make mistakes and we should not be punished for it. On the other hand it would be wise for journalists and editors to develop a keen eye for problems in their reports and advertising. It is important to try not to offend audiences and this means that obvious bad taste should not be overlooked. This may mean simply putting an ad on another page in a newspaper or making sure TV reports do not offend or precede ad which offend.
It is also important not to come across as bias. The textbook talked about innuendos and the way in which journalists attempt to work around an issue, asserting their opinion or influence through placement and framing. The public is made up of intelligent and discerning individuals, they should be given information not opinion. What they make of that information is up to them. Journalists should try not to let their own judgement cloud a story, that is not their job and using their position to assert opinions is not their purpose.
