Photojournalism issues in Design

Source: http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/07/02/ok_magazine_michael_jackson_cover_pictur

The picture of Michael Jackson carried on a stretcher was on the cover of OK! Magazine. Since he was already not breathing, it could have been his ‘last’ picture. As a result it has stirred up a lot of controversy. It also raised the issue of ethics of photojournalism.

In photojournalism, there is always a need to balance the right to privacy and newsworthiness. Berger (1989, p.238) says “Seeing is Believing.” A picture is not reality itself because it is influenced by the photographer’s point of view and how he manipulates the angle, light and focus of his camera. However, most people believe what they see.

In this case, there appears to be an invasion of privacy which tilts the balance to the side of newsworthiness.

Patterson, P & Wilkins, L (2006, p.239) mentioned that “the most basic of these theories is whether or not to shoot the photo of a subject who is in no position to deny the photographer access to the event.”


Source: http://mstar.com.my/hiburan/cerita.asp?file=/2009/7/23/mstar_hiburan/20090723171042&sec=mstar_hiburan

Here, Michael Jackson was in no position to stop the photographers. This brings to mind the same thing happened to Yasmin Ahmad when she was photographed being wheeled out of the operating theatre at Damansara Specialist Hospital.

The photojournalist capitalised on the subjects’ misfortune and lack compassion and sensitivity.

The photojournalist should also do selective editing. The outcome must neither do society and harm nor allow the image to have negative impact on the people, such as disturbing them mentally. Bryant (1987; 34, p.239) said, “A general rule for most photojournalists is shoot. You can always edit later.”

In the case of Michael Jackson and Yasmin Ahmad, the photojournalists were highly unethical, cashing in on people’s misfortune. It shows disrespect to two highly acclaimed artistes. At the same time some of their fans might appreciate the “last look” as a means of saying goodbye. Personally, I would rather remember them when they are at the peak of their career.

Reference:

Sneed 2009, OK! Cover of Michael Jackson’s death photo stirs controversy, viewed 18 November 2009,
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/07/release-of-michael-jacksons-death-photo-stirs-controversy-.html?cid=6a00d8341c630a53ef011571ca1628970b

Patterson, P & Wilkins, L 2008, Media Ethics: Issues and Cases, McGraw Hill, New York.

How, A and Adzrin, S 2009, ‘Pengarah Yasmin Ahmad selesai jalani pembedahan otak’, mStar, 23 July, p.1, viewed 18 November 2009, http://mstar.com.my/hiburan/cerita.asp?file=/2009/7/23/mstar_hiburan/20090723171042&sec=mstar_hiburan

‘Star pulse’ 2009, OK! Magazine Michael Jackson Cover Picture Features MJ Dead On Stretcher
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/07/02/ok_magazine_michael_jackson_cover_pictur