Media Ethics and Responsibility

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the case of the BTK killer in Wichita, Kansas and the publication of the murderer's messages by a local newspaper "The Eagle". The paper discusses how many believed that publishing these messages increased the chances of catching the murderer in question, but the paper reveals that this newspaper was also interested in the publicity and hype surrounding the case. The paper mentions the role of media ethics and asserts that not only did the publication actually encourage the killer to go on, but it also inspired mass fear and stress in the eyes of the public at large.

From the Paper:

"There have been several serial murder cases which feature killers who play with the attention of the public through their manipulation of the media for various reasons. However, with the actual publication of messages supposedly from mass murderers, the ethical role of the media is put to the test. Many believe that publishing these messages increases the chances of catching the murderer in question; but in the case of the BTK Killer in Wichita Kansas, the publication of such messages by a local newspaper The Eagle provided little information to law enforcement officials and an arrest was made decades after the onslaught of the murders. Examples such as these show how publishing such communications may in fact be too much information for the public to handle and at the same time just continues to encourage the killer to commit more and more violent crimes. This specific case shows that the media's role in such events is sometimes just as hindering, if not more so, than it is helpful with the actual investigation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Maher, Kelly J. "Media Ethics: Media's Role in BTK Case Questioned." University of Minnesota. Study of Media Ethics and Law. www.silha.umn.edu. 5. May. 2008. http://www.silha.umn.edu/Winter%202005%20Bulletin/Media%20Ethics%20Role%20in%20BTK%20Case.pdf
• Merritt, Davis, Mccombs, Maxwell. The Two W's of Journalism: The What and Why of Public Affairs Reporting. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 2004.

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