Kommentar 2- Zentralmatura Deutsch Jänner 2019 #34

Welcome to Matura Express

Introduction to the Comment Format

• Roland introduces the topic of the session, wishing viewers a Merry Christmas and explaining that they will be discussing written comments.

• Comments are highlighted as a versatile text type, suitable for various word counts (270-300 words or 540-616 words), making them ideal for Matura tasks.

• The importance of comments is emphasized due to their dual nature: they must inform about a subject while also expressing personal opinions.

Challenges in Writing Comments

• Writing a comment requires balancing informative content with personal viewpoints without using first-person language, unlike reader letters.

• Authors need to present arguments supporting their opinions without explicitly stating "I believe," which adds complexity to the writing process.

Example from Matura Tasks

• Roland presents an example from the September 2016 Matura exam focusing on journalistic responsibility, illustrating how comments can vary in length and depth.

• The task involves interpreting a longer text and writing a shorter comment (270-300 words), showcasing the flexibility of this format.

Task Overview: Journalistic Responsibility

• The specific assignment is introduced: students must write a comment regarding images depicting disasters and wars, reflecting on journalistic ethics.

• Students are tasked with reading an announcement about a discussion on what images should show concerning catastrophes and violence.

Analyzing Different Perspectives

• Participants in the discussion will have varying opinions on how media should handle sensitive imagery; students must evaluate these positions critically.

• The final part of the assignment asks students to express their stance on how media should deal with shocking visual material while maintaining generality in their statements.

Structuring Your Comment

• Emphasis is placed on structuring comments effectively by marking paragraphs clearly and adhering to word count guidelines (270–330 words).

Contextual Background

• A brief note mentions that Swiss spelling conventions are maintained in original texts used for analysis.

Media Representation of Tragedy

The Impact of Graphic Imagery in Media

• Renowned photo agency Magnum has captured images depicting the aftermath of tragedies, including graphic scenes such as dismembered bodies and wreckage. This raises questions about the ethical implications of showing such distressing content.

• Swiss publications like Schweizer Illustrierte and Sonntagsblick have sparked intense reactions on social media due to their choice of graphic imagery, igniting emotional debates among audiences.

• The journalist Christoph Moser shared a particularly shocking image on Twitter, contributing to discussions about what images should depict regarding victims' dignity and the necessity for transparency in reporting.

Ethical Considerations in Journalism

• Stefan Regez, editor-in-chief at Schweizer Illustrierte, argues that sensationalism is inherent in tabloid media compared to quality journalism, which tends to handle images with more restraint.

• Boulevard media are characterized by their use of emotionally charged imagery and headlines aimed at attracting attention rather than providing thorough analysis or context.

Family Perspectives on Catastrophe Imagery

• In a discussion segment featuring families affected by disasters, sensitive topics surrounding the portrayal of catastrophe images were explored, highlighting diverse opinions on how these visuals impact public perception.

• Regez mentions that one specific image they published—showing a deceased individual still strapped into their seat—provoked significant backlash from subscribers who accused them of being sensationalist.

Balancing Information and Sensitivity

• The ongoing debate centers around how shocking images can inform the public while also respecting the dignity of victims and their families. This balance is crucial for responsible journalism.

• Key questions arise: What should images reveal? How do they affect viewers' perceptions? These inquiries are essential for understanding the responsibilities journalists hold when reporting on tragedies.

Diverse Journalistic Approaches

• For future assignments, various positions presented will be critical for evaluating differing journalistic approaches towards tragedy imagery.

• Christoph Moser advocates for a more radical approach to depicting war casualties in media, suggesting that current practices may not adequately reflect reality amidst an overwhelming flow of unfiltered information online.

Contextual Background

• The discussion references a tragic event involving Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which crashed over Eastern Ukraine in July 2014, resulting in 228 fatalities—a pivotal moment prompting reflection on media representation during crises.

• The program discussed is part of Medienclub, a television discussion series aired by Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), focusing on contemporary issues within journalism.

Discussion on the Ethics of War Photography

Perspectives on Responsibility in War Photography

• Christoph Moser, a journalist, shares his views on the radical handling of images depicting war victims, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in their dissemination.

• Reto Camenzind, a photographer and photography educator, argues that photographers bear responsibility not only for capturing images but also for considering who consumes these images and when.

• Dominic Nahr, a war photographer, highlights that during dangerous situations, his primary concern is personal safety rather than the implications of publishing the captured images.

• Stefan Egger, deputy news chief at Swiss Radio and Television (SRF), stresses that explicit violent imagery must be evaluated for relevance to the story and its potential impact on viewers and relatives of victims.

• Corine Turrini Fluri, a social media user and journalist, expresses her outrage over graphic images shared online without warning. She advocates against exposing loved ones to such distressing content.

Diverging Views on Graphic Imagery

• The discussion contrasts perspectives from journalists working with sensationalist media versus those from more restrained outlets like SRF regarding the publication of graphic content.

• The ethical dilemma is highlighted: while some argue for showing drastic imagery to convey reality, others stress the photographer's responsibility in choosing what to capture and share.

• The conversation reveals differing stances within journalism about whether or not to publish shocking visuals based on their potential effects on audiences.

Ethical Considerations in Media Representation

• Participants are encouraged to reflect critically on their positions regarding the publication of graphic imagery in media.

• A rhetorical question arises: When does sharing an image cross an ethical line? This prompts further exploration into how much should be shown without regard for victims' dignity or family members' feelings.

• The discussion acknowledges that various stakeholders—including editors and photographers—are involved in decisions about what constitutes acceptable visual representation in reporting crises.

Summary of Central Issues

• The central problem identified is balancing public interest with ethical considerations surrounding graphic imagery. Questions arise about when it becomes inappropriate to publish certain types of content.

Discussion on Media Representation of Catastrophes

The Role of Different Media Types

• The discussion begins with a focus on how different media types, specifically boulevard and quality media, portray images of victims from catastrophes and violence. Boulevard media tends to show harsher images compared to quality media, which reflects their belief that journalists must continually reassess the impact of such imagery.

• Extreme images are often chosen as symbols of horror; however, there is a need for reflection on the suffering these victims endure when their mutilated images are displayed in newspapers.

• A war photographer's perspective is introduced, highlighting their instinctive reaction to capture moments without hesitation while grappling with the ethical implications regarding which images are suitable for public consumption.

Ethical Considerations in War Photography

• The conversation shifts to a specific war photographer, Dominic Nahr, who emphasizes his focus on technical aspects and personal safety while capturing images. He contemplates whether these photos should be shared publicly after processing them.

• There is a critical note about misattributing opinions between two photographers—Dominic Nahr and Reto Camenisch—regarding the responsibility photographers hold in publishing distressing imagery. This highlights the complexity of attributing statements accurately.

Evaluating Perspectives

• The speaker notes that while positions have been summarized, an evaluation or judgment of these perspectives is missing. It’s essential to assess what each individual contributes to the discussion rather than merely stating their views.

• An example is given where one could argue that a war photographer's viewpoint is understandable due to the inherent dangers they face in conflict zones. This adds depth by providing an evaluative stance rather than just reporting opinions.

Quality Media's Approach

• A quality newspaper editor discusses their cautious approach towards publishing shocking images, emphasizing careful consideration regarding the relevance of such visuals to the story being told.

• Clarification arises around this editor's role; he is identified as the deputy news chief at SRF (Swiss Radio and Television), not simply an editor at a traditional newspaper. This distinction matters as it relates to how different media operate.

Audience Preferences in Media Consumption

• The dialogue explores consumer behavior concerning newspapers: do readers prefer those that provide detailed background stories or those filled with graphic imagery?

• It’s noted that many people desire exposure to shocking details within articles so they can better empathize with victims' suffering—a sad reality reflecting human curiosity about tragedy.

• While not directly evaluating this preference, it suggests an implicit critique of sensationalism in journalism by acknowledging that such publications tend to attract more readers despite ethical concerns surrounding graphic content.

Media Responsibility in Reporting Wars and Disasters

Importance of Reporting on Conflicts

• It is crucial to report on wars or disasters, including the publication of images, as it encourages awareness rather than ignorance about the current state of our planet.

• Journalists must reflect on their responsibilities when reporting sensitive issues, particularly when boundaries are crossed in coverage.

Media's Handling of Visual Material

• The text emphasizes that journalists should be aware of their responsibility and recognize when ethical lines are crossed in their reporting practices.

• A valid stance is taken that images should be shared to inform the public, but there must be consideration for the suffering of victims and their families.

Ethical Considerations in Journalism

• The discussion highlights a clear position that while reporting is necessary, it should not come at the expense of those affected by such events; careful thought must go into what is shown.

• The assignment has been addressed adequately by discussing both sides: the need for information dissemination and the potential harm caused by graphic imagery.

Clarity and Responsibility in Communication

• There are concerns regarding clarity in communication; some statements may appear vague or not fully address required evaluations as per journalistic standards.

• Overall, there’s an agreement that journalists need to maintain a strong sense of accountability while recognizing ethical boundaries during reporting.