Privacy and the Media
Overview
The news media can often inflict a
"second victimization" upon crime victims or survivors by exacerbating
victims' feelings of violation, disorientation, and loss of control. Common
concerns victims express about the media include: interviews at inappropriate
times; filming and photographing scenes with bodies and body bags; searching for
the "negative" about the victim; printing a victim's name or address; and
inappropriately delving into the victim's past.
Victims may feel numb, confused or disoriented, especially immediately after the crime
occurs--the point at which the media is often most interested in the news value
of the crime. Journalists, while having a legal right to make certain information public, should be aware that
news coverage about crimes may have a negative impact
on victims and that certain considerations can ameliorate that impact.
The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
offers useful tips for
journalists who interview crime victims and their families. This organization provides tips for
sensitive reporting including starting the conversation with "I'm
sorry for your loss," and reminding the interviewee periodically about the terms of the
interview, (e.g., "I am recording this interview"). The Dart Center also reminds reporters to be respectful
and polite to victims who don't want to talk, and to leave a
business card with a phone number for the victim to contact when he/she is
ready to be interviewed. (Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, 2004)
Victim service providers can support victims of crime by
serving as a "go-between" for a reporter and a victim. Victim advocates can help
victims establish the parameters and conditions under which the interview will
take place. Even when victims appear in public, such as in the course of
criminal justice proceedings, in hospitals, or at funerals, there are ways in
which victim advocates can help limit unwanted exposure to the media.
This support can help minimize the
invasion of privacy felt by the victim, allows advocates to advise victims about
their rights in the media, and gives the media access to the story.
Additionally, such a process assists those victims who wish to refuse to grant
an interview. It also provides an opportunity for the advocate to assist the
victim in preparing a statement, including reviewing the facts that can and
cannot be released to the public, calming their fears, and being present when
the actual interview is conducted.
It is
OK for a victim to:
- Say "no" to an interview request;
- Select the spokesperson or advocate of the victim's
choice;
- Select the time and location for media interviews;
- Request a specific reporter;
- Refuse an interview with a specific reporter even
though he or she has granted interviews to other reporters;
- Say "no" to an interview even though the victim has
previously granted interviews;
- Release a written statement through a spokesperson
in lieu of an interview;
- Exclude children from interviews;
- Refrain from answering any questions with which the
victim is uncomfortable or that the victim feels are inappropriate;
- Avoid a press conference atmosphere and speak to
only one reporter at a time;
- Demand a correction when inaccurate information is
reported;
- Ask that offensive photographs or visuals be omitted
from airing or publication;
- Give a television interview with their image blurred or
a newspaper interview without having their picture taken;
- Completely give the victim's side of the story
related to the victimization;
- Refrain from answering reporters questions during a
trial;
- File a formal complaint against a reporter;
- Grieve in private; and
- Suggest training about media and victims for print and
electronic media in their
community.
Resources
The Dart Center for Journalism and
Trauma (2004). Interviewing Victims and Families.
National Center for Victims of Crime. (2002).
Privacy and Dignity: Crime Victims and the
Media. Washington, D.C.
Haines, Steve. (1990). Police/Media Relations and Victim's
Rights. Detroit, MI: National Press
Photographers Association.
For additional information, please contact:
National Center for Victims of Crime
2000 M Street, NW, Suite 480
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 467-8700
The Dart Center for Journalism and
Trauma
102 Communications Bldg.
Box 353740
University
of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-3740
(206)
616-3223
(800)
Victims and the Media Program
School of Journalism
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212
(517) 432-2171
All rights reserved.
Copyright. 2004 by the National Center for Victims of
Crime. This information may be freely distributed, provided that it is
distributed free of charge, in its entirety and includes this copyright notice.