CNN live reported the “balloon boy “news for about an hour, with subtitles broadcasting 6 people were dead in an accident at the same time.
However after the balloon hit the ground, the 6-year-old boy was not there.
i felt entertained actually. I treat this as a piece of entertaining story.
Nevertheless, all the media that reported on this event, all used a convinced tone to describe the scene. Only FOX News used “reportedly” in the lead, showing the possibility that the boy might not be in the balloon. On this certain point, i do not think it was appropriate. Right after the balloon hit the ground there were some “experts” showed up on the screen and said : Oh the balloon can not hold a 6-year-old boy.
I believe that people knew there would not be a boy inside the balloon before they saw the balloon landed. It was just unreasonable.
Should a journalist report somthing might happen but never did?
The balloon boy story does fit some news value, especially the novelty.
It is undeniably odd if a home-made balloon takes off with a boy inside.
Here is my opinion about this story:
When the story is ” something might happen” i would rather to spent more time on confirming it. I would not write about something ambiguous. It will be like gambling if i do that. I just bet my credibility on a story. It seems that a lot people tried to be the first one to report a dramatic spotlight that a 6-year-old boy died in a ridiculous accident and they were so eager to get the exclusive news that they even did not doubt if the balloon was really able to lift a 6-year-old boy and how did a boy enter a balloon without any entrance. I mean those are obvious doubtful points. Why can’t they see that?
OR they saw the doubtful points but decided to ignore them?
I have learnt that “If your mom says she loves you, check it out.” in my first journalism class; and i think that is something worth keeping in mind.
Furthermore, the boy named Falcon Heene, found himeself in public eye after this hilarious incident. He appeared sickly on NBC’s “Today” show last Friday. “With his eyes adrift, 6-year-old Falcon Heene leaned his tiny head against his father before he vomited — right in front of the cameras.”
Now I feel that this story should not be reported at all. I do not know if it is really a hoax. (Authorities said it was staged) Let’s consider it from humanity, it was too cruel to put a 6-year-old boy at such a critical point. The boy probably knew nothing about it.
