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Topic: Letters Sent to Romenesko
Date/Time: 4/19/2007 12:03:27 PM
Title: Pure voyeurism
Posted By: Jim Romenesko
 
From ALEX DERING: Subject -- Cho Seung Hui's video. If Steve Capus, NBC News president, thinks his argument that some relatives of the dead may say, " 'We want to know why. We need to know what was in his head, what drove him to do this.' " has any merit, he's clearly still too shook up to be making any decisions.

Fact: Video tape, DVDs, notes, journals, etc. do not dissolve into the ether if not aired.

Fact: The items -- or copies -- sent by Cho Seung Hui could simply have been turned over to the relevant authorities.

Fact: Relevant authorities would be able to offer the items to the survivors on an individual basis.

Fact: Mr. Capus' argument is a weak defense of an indefensible decision.

Fact: The next school shooter will mail something similar -- probably with a PowerPoint presentation -- and probably to several networks.

Fact: This was done solely for the voyeurism and the morbidity.

Please, news execs with big, big salaries: Use a little common sense. No one doubted -- for even a single second -- that someone who goes on a shooting spree, killing dozens, was disturbed. The proof isn't needed; it's already evident. [Permalink]


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