Thursday, April 19, 2007

VT Massacre Video: NBC17’s Statement

As a local news organization, we have a responsibility to report the news. I want to take a moment and explain to you what we have decided, as it relates to NBC17’s use of the massacre video and images.

Below is a statement from NBC17 News Director, Nannette Wilson.
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The decision to air the video and statements from Cho Seung-Hui was not made lightly by NBC 17 News.

Like NBC News, careful consideration was, and continues, to be given to all aspects of this very difficult story.  We recognize the sensitive nature of this particular material for the families of the victims, the Virginia Tech community and all of our viewers who are undoubtedly affected by this story. 

We agree with NBC News that Cho’s statements and videos may offer some insight into the critical question of why a person would commit such a horrible act.  We want to give our viewers an opportunity to see and judge for themselves.  We also want to give viewers the option of not watching the video by warning them about the nature of this content before it airs. 

There will be limited use of the video going forward, and we will continue to warn viewers if and when we do. 

As always, we encourage feedback from our viewers and find their input invaluable in our quest to serve our community better, every day.