Introduction
From the first sentences, I understood, yet did not share the author’s sentiments toward written media. The article written by Curtis Wilkie focuses on his dissatisfactory experience with rushed reports. However, the writer pinpoints the issue himself by revealing that some news sources prioritize sensationalistic imagery and fail to check the facts (Wiklie). It is not uncommon that visual media is used to captivate an audience rather than deliver information without distractions. However, only a specific type of source utilizes this approach, while images and videos can enhance stories better than printed words in many other cases.
Discussion
For example, the article by Cole in the same newspaper uses photos from the site with great success. The author’s account of the unfolded tragedy is accentuated through her visual storytelling (Cole). The emotional impact of Cole’s photos can not be replicated by any writer. Wilkie argues that journalists should not “appear to know all the answers” but rather seek to prove what claims are valid before creating a news piece. This assertion is true, yet it does not link directly to the medium of information that Wilkie detests. There are videos that report the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina with better efficiency than any newspaper by revealing the extent of damages and human suffering while keeping the focus on factual information (National Geographic). Another article by Corley shows the proper use of images as well. It would be impossible for the author to call for the search of missing persons via a paper column efficiently (Corley). Therefore, Wilkie’s dissatisfaction with this type of content is misplaced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visual media has its place in journalism, although it must be used with due diligence rather than added for better sensationalism. Videos and photos can convey what words can not, as people tend to experience a closer connection to those whose situations are clearly reported. Indeed, there are false reports that may appear on screen more often than on paper, yet they do not provide sufficient grounds for the condemnation that visual media received from Wilkie.
Works Cited
Cole, Carolyn. “Witness to the Tragedy.” Nieman Reports, Web.
Corley, Cheryl. “Hope Survives in Search for Katrina’s Missing.” NPR, Web.
National Geographic. “Hurricane Katrina Day by Day.” YouTube, Web.
Wilkie, Curtis. “Words Triumph Over Images.” Nieman Reports, Web.