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Imagine flipping through your favorite digital TV channel or scrolling through your online news feed, only to be confronted with a harrowing story of violence that will leave you unsettled for hours. This scenario is becoming increasingly common, prompting important conversations about the media’s responsibility to report sensitive content. At the center of this debate in Thailand is General Sittichai Makkunkhon, who recently stressed that it is essential for digital television operators to tread carefully when presenting news, especially violent incidents.
demand for responsibility
In a world where the lines between digital and traditional media are blurring, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has raised a flag of caution. General Sittichai appealed to members of the media to seriously consider their social responsibilities following the public outcry over the disturbing broadcast, which included a husband’s violent act against his wife. Citing Article 37 of the Broadcasting and Television Business Operations Act 2008, NBTC’s message is clear. News reporting, while aiming to provide information, must not cross the line into sensationalism that can cause further harm to society.
Ripple effects of violent content
Those concerns are not unfounded. Research like the one featured in EurekAlert shows that graphic reporting on gun violence can negatively impact survivors and communities. Media depictions of violence not only risk dehumanizing victims, but can also re-traumatize survivors and threaten their sense of safety. Additionally, Ofcom’s report on online safety highlights the role that online platforms play in radicalizing individuals and highlights the urgent need for media to pay attention to the representation of content. doing.
strike the right balance
The challenge for digital television operators, and by extension all media professionals, is to find the delicate balance between reporting the truth and not contributing to a culture of violence. The NBTC directive requires media to carry out thorough checks and self-regulation to ensure that content complies with professional standards and ethics, taking into account the potential social impact. I’m looking for it. This approach calls for a commitment to trauma-informed reporting that seeks to inform the public without unnecessarily focusing on graphic details that may incite further violence or harm. .
After all, the media’s role as a provider of information comes with the heavy responsibility of shaping social norms and values. As digital television broadcasters and media professionals navigate the complex landscape of news reporting, guidance from organizations like NBTC serves as an important reminder of the power held within stories. . By fostering a media environment that prioritizes empathy and responsibility over sensationalism, we can hope to create a more informed and caring society.
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