Posting pictures of the deceased - Ethical or Unethical?

The picture that raised eyebrow

The Chronicle should minimise the use of graphic images on the front page as these may cause fear and resentment from the public, Ibhetshu likaZulu secretary Mbuso Fuzwayo has said.

On the 15th of April last week the Chronicle posted a graphic image of a person who had been killed by elephant.

"Some people fear death and these pictures should therefore not be published for public consumption," said Fuzwayo. According to the ethical value of minimising harm, graphic images that contain scenes of terrible accidents and toddlers should not be posted as they leave sad memories.

Fuzwayo also said the Chronicle should also limit on leading with stories on sex scandals.

Meanwhile, other media practitioners said there is no harm in posting the picture of the deceased on the front page as long as they are late and their family has agreed. Research has however shown that people who have their pictures posted on the front page have relatives who do not understand the impacts of posting them on the front page. Media practitioners have the responsibility to employ professionalism when doing their work.