Print: National Inquirer, "Whitney Collapses"
Broadcast Tv: 3:21 PM EST, Thu February 16, 2012 "Nancy Grace Invesitgates Whitney's Death"
Broadcast Radio: February 21st, 2012 02:02 AM ET "Radio Host suspended for Whitney Houston Comments"
The world's reaction to the death of Whitney Houston has made it clear she was more than just a singer- she was an icon and an inspiration. No one expected that one of the worlds largest icons to leave us so sudenly and abruptly. Whitney Houston's death came on the eve of the most significant event in the music industry, the Grammy's. Media outlets jumped on this story to report it. Networks and publications covered this news breaking story immediately upon the confirmation of Houstons' death. Rightfully so, this story was to say the least newsworthy and deserved to be headline news and a front cover story. Some media outlets respected Whitney's legacy and her familys time of grief. Others however covered this story with no regards to Whitney or her loved ones.
Print publication National Inquirer is known for blunt controversial headlines and photos. Also unfortunately, infamous for altering the truth to appeal to their audience. In the case of this story was no different. Front cover of the national enquirer there it read Breaking News "Whitney Collapses" 'Strung Out & Broke, its worse than anyone thought'. With the title alone one could predict how the Inquirer would choose to cover this story in their publication. Whitney's musical accomplishments were mentioned but not highlighted. The Inquirer began their story with "Whitney Houston, whose reign as the queen of pop until her voice and image were ravaged by repeated drug use, erratic behavior and a devastating marriage to Bobby Brown, died at 48". If that does not make it bad they published disturbing photos of the pop singer looking inebriated and frazzled.
Television legal commentator Nancy Grace investigated the death of Whitney Houston. Grace investigated what caused the tragic death of singing legend Whitney. Nancy Grace is known for being outspoken and opinionated. The way Nancy covered this breaking story however was not controversial nor disrespectful. Grace specializes in uncovering and reporting hidden information. She treated this story no differently; she equally reported Houston's death as she would any other victim on her show. The investigative approach was suitable for this story. The viewers were able to see factual information regarding the developing story. With the facts provided viewers were able to make their on decision on the events that took place and whether they wanted to take it for what it was and believe it.
Popular Los Angeles disk jokeys John Koby and Ken Chiampou of "The John and Ken Show' had a very offensive way of reporting in the wake of Houston's death to their listeners. Both radio personalitiese were insensive to the fans, supporters and loved ones of Whitney Houston. Their comments were extremely derogatory. "Here comes the crack whore" were their choice of words while referring to the deceased R&B singer. Their choice to use such slurs is evident that their objective was not to inform their listeners to her death but rather make a mockery of it. ““It’s like, ‘Ah Jesus . . . here comes the crack ho again, what’s she gonna do? Ah, look at that — she’s doin’ handstands next to the pool. Very good, crack ho . . . ‘ After a while, everybody’s exhausted. And then you find out she’s dead. It’s like, ‘Really? Took this long?’ ” The duo were suspended for their inappropriate and insensitve comments.
Regardless of Whitney Houston public struggle with substance abuse she still was a mother, daughter, sister and music icon. It's hard to phathem that media outlets chose to highlight her hardships and just acknowledge her accolades. The media as a whole felt it was more important and newsworthy to blasts her trials and triblations. With this it is evident that class and respect for others is gone and especially in the media. These publications as well as the consumers have lost their capacity for empathy and the ability to put themselves in other people's shoes.
Media outlets are to report, which is the specific intention of relaying information or recounting certain events in a widely presentable form. Nancy Grcae did not sugar coat anything nor was she disrespectful or unsympathetic while covering this story. As a media practictioner Nancy remained neutral and objective. Nancy grace reported Whitney Houston's death factually and as close to the truth as she possibly could with the information she was provided with. Nancy and her fellow colleagues that contributed to the news package were concerned with receiving as well as relaying what actually occured. They mentioned her reign as a pop star as well as her past addiction, but highlighted the developing news of her death. Nancy's package included images and video of Whitney in her element as a icon. Their choice not to show Ms. Houston in a negative light shows that they practice ethics in the media. The National Inquirer on the other hand was more subjective. Inquirer published more judgment, assumption, belief, rumor and suspecion. This publication is not credible when there information varies from person-to-person, day-to-day in every issue.
Media outlets are crossing the line far too often when trying to cover a headline story that the people want to hear and learn about. Media outlets and practioners need to be more sensitive. There is a fine line that reporters walk between whats appropriate and newsworthy and whats not. Making money and becoming famous or popular reporter or media outlet is the goal now days when it should be to remain informative and relay information that public can not find out on their own.
Below you can find the link to each newsoutlet.
http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/whitney-houston-dead
http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/02/13/raw-nancy-grace-investigates-whitneys-death
http://drdrew.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/21/radio-hosts-suspended-for-whitney-houston-comments/?iref=allsearch
