We've had 20 years of mass murders throughout which I have…
“We've had 20 years of mass murders throughout which I have repeatedly told CNN and our other media, if you don't want to propagate more mass murders, don't start the story with sirens blaring. Don't have photographs of the killer. Don't make this 24/7 coverage. Do everything you can not to make the body count the lead story, not to make the killer some kind of anti-hero. Do localize the story to the affected community and make it as boring as possible in every other market. Because every time we have intense saturation coverage of a mass murder, we expect to see one or two more within a week.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates for minimal media coverage of mass murders to reduce copycat incidents.
In simple terms: Limit sensationalism to prevent more killings.
Key Takeaway
Avoid glorifying killers.
Themes
media responsibility
violence prevention
public perception
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
journalistic
ethical
When to use this quote
- newsrooms
- policy makers
- community leaders
- media watchdogs
Key Concepts
copycat effect
news ethics
psychology of violence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can media balance reporting facts and avoiding glorification?
- What alternative narratives could reduce copycat risk?
A Different Perspective
Sensational coverage can still inform public safety.