First came the media coverage of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Now comes the media coverage of the media coverage. Did NBC glorify the shooter by distributing the disturbing pictures he sent the network? Is the media presence in Blacksburg too invasive? Definitely. But, all of the criticism is unlikely to make the media retreat. ABC reports sentiments like the one expressed in the picture at left are prevalent:
"The media frenzy at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va., has spurred resentment among family and friends who continue to mourn for the victims of Monday's shooting.
Anti-media signs have been spotted around the campus as the relationship between the community and the media becomes increasingly strained."
Students have been handing out pamphlets reading:
"We, the students of Virginia Tech, are asserting ourselves. We are taking back our campus. All media, if they have any respect for Hokie Nation, will no longer attack our administration. They will no longer hound our students. Leave us to heal. Leave us to ourselves. Hokie Nation needs to be UNITED. Return our campus to us."
It is, of course, an impossible request. And as a member of the news media, it's very troubling to realize that an event so traumatic for VT and the nation is a boon for media corporations' bottom lines.
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