JANUARY 31, 2007

       In what may probably be the biggest trial in Canada this year, Robert Pickton is appearing in a B.C. court on charges of murdering dozens of women.  (In the current trial he is charged with six counts of second-degree murder.  In total he faces 26 counts but the remaining charges will be dealt with in another trial.)

       Media outlets are wanting to protect the public from the grisly details of the court proceedings as Pickton talks about how the murders were carried out.  And there is much debate in newsrooms across the country as to how the case should be covered.  Should certain elements of the trial be censored when broadcast or because it’s news we can see and hear anything that happens?  What is suitable to show on TV, read in the newspaper or read on media websites?

       Often I am quick to defend the news services because, well, I am part of them.  But at the same time I am also part of the audience.  I have had many debates with people about whether or not the news is too graphic.  Often these discussions are with parents.  I don’t have any children, but (again, and maybe this is just because I’m in the news business) I think shielding kids from what’s happening in the world is a bad thing.

       Sure, not all youngsters are going to understand what’s going on in most of the stories but it is also a chance for parents to sit down and talk about what is happening in our own backyard.  I know a mom and dad who don’t allow their kids to watch anything but specific pre-selected shows and if the kids happen to start channel changing they are immediately told to turn off the TV.  Talk about leading a sheltered life.

       Is it appropriate for viewers to see footage of Manitoba jails and inmates giving the finger and swearing at TV cameras?  I think so.  It gives the general public a look at what jail is really like.  At the same time it can be a teaching experience for children where they can see what may happen to them if they break the law.

       News isn’t a bad thing.  Perhaps the way some of the stories are covered is.  But I think we are very lucky to live in a world where we can constantly know what’s happening around the corner, around the country and around the globe.

       If people are completely closed off to what’s happening in society, imagine how overwhelming and shocking it’ll be when they step out into the real world.  That is the scary thought.