In reporting on the latest attempted terrorist plan......?

Question

Was the national media irresponsible when they showed exactly how the terrorists were going to assemble homemade explosives on airliners?

Yes, we should report the story, but going as far as saying what "fluid" is the most explosive, and showing how to ignite said fluid with a simple houshold object, is a step over the line of responsible reporting.

I also have a degree in Radio, and TV Communications, and have been a working member of the electronic media for 15 years. A number of those years were spent in a TV Newsroom in a top 20 market.

In response to Yeppers answer, On one of the national Morning News Programs Friday morning, they did name the "most explosive" of every-day liquids that you may have in your home, then they showed how another item, that anybody could purchase in any store, could be used to instantly ignite it. They even spoke about the false bottom plastic containers they were going to use to carry the liquid explosives on board. That is the real reason I am kinda angry about this issue. A "line" was crossed by this reporter by giving too much info to the public. Also, the news director of this Network broadcast, should have never allowed this info to air.

Answer 1

I wouldnt say they were "irresponsible" in what they reported as they never did say "exactly" what was going to be used and in what format. I think they wanted us to know that all of the things they now banned to bring on a plane could be used . I never did see any media tell how exactly they were going to assemble any explosives. I do think the media goes too far though as in giving ideas out to terrorists when reporting news or gviing too much information. In this latest attempt however, I dont think they did that and only told us what they did for our understanding and safety issues. Thanks for bringing up, you make a good point however. The media has a way with exposing too much at times but not in this case. We needed to know what items could have been used but it no way do they say "exactly" how they were going to use them or what was going to be used to complete it.

Answer 2

I think that was responsible journalism. We need to know how sophistocated, yet still homegrown, these people are. It's journalists' responsibility to educate the public and especially public officials on what we're up against.

The knowledge to make all kinds of bombs is out there, it's just actually doing it that is a threat to our country. Anderson Cooper said last night that liquid bombs have been a threat in the past, but that airlines simply can't check everything. Razors are now allowed back on planes, but terrorists aren't trying that again. It's expected.