Should Reuters be censured in some way for deliberately modifying photos to promote a specific agenda?
Asked by
shilolo (
18085
)
June 8th, 2010
It has recently been revealed that Reuters modified multiple photos to hide violent behavior on the part of the “peace activists” on the recent blockade busting flotilla. Here is evidence from Reuters’ own website, more analysis of the same photo from a blog, as well as more cropped photos. Sadly, this is not the first time Reuters has been caught manipulating photos this way. So, what kind of repercussions should Reuters suffer? Is there any way to trust their “unbiased reporting” again?
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18 Answers
They did it in the Lebanon War in 82, and they do it all the time. I don’t mind when I read a political spin or agenda from a news agency – they all do it. The lefth ates Fox, the right hates CNN. No-one is neutral or unbiased.
But cropping photos to alter history and public perception: that should be criminal.
Reportage of the photo mods should make Reuters lose credibility. What can be worse for a news bureau?
Yeah that is despicable. How well publicized are these?
If this could be brought to the attention of Colbert or Stewart they could totally skewer them thoroughly.
I don’t know that there is any formal body whose censure would carry that much weight, is there?
SHOULD they? Perhaps. Will it ever happen? Probably not. Our society is disgustingly controlled by the media and what you’re talking about is one of the most basic advertising concepts there is. Oh, you’re talking about the news? Unfortunately in America, it’s nearly a same difference type of situation..
And a nice big welcome to @TriflinTriscuit who will fit nicely in the collective.
I’m torn on this. A picture should reflect the story. Do they claim to be 100% unbiased? How is this different than framing a shot when you take the picture? Like I said, I’m torn.
I’m all for blacklisting ‘em.
@anartist You would think. But most of Reuters’ audience loves the anti-Israel angle.
It’s not Reuters. It’s certain employees of Reuters. They should be fired. And the managers of these manipulators too. If the managers of the managers don’t fire them or at least enforce rules to prevent this from happening again then we should consider serious repercussions for Reuters as a company. Blacklisting. Organizing boycotts. Selling shares. And so forth. The same applies to companies like Fox of course.
@mattbrowne Their continued malfeasance would indicate that the manipulators, their managers, and the managers’ managers are unfired. I know that Reuters fires its manipulators when LGF starts pointing fingers. But it keeps happening, so the root problem hasn’t been resolved.
Ah, thanks. I forgot about that even tho I read the link with the pics.
@Nullo – Thomson Reuters has got over 55000 employees in more than 100 countries. I don’t think all of them are crooks.
@mattbrowne Likely not. But some are, and those need to be dealt with.
@Nullo – Perhaps someone should sue them.
@mattbrowne Okay. You organize the lawsuit while I warm up the tar, collect the feathers, and assemble torches and pitchforks.
@Nullo – Can you recommend a good lawyer?
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