Media outlets have access to people’s homes and lives on a daily basis, and have a responsibility to portray serious issues such as these with impartiality and caution. Yet all too often, publishers and broadcasters happily give a free platform to campaigners for legal change (for example…) and high-profile advocates within the media use their abuse their position (for example…), while contempt shown for guidelines laid down by major health bodies like the World Health Organisation and the Samaritans to guard against suicide contagion – the ‘Werther effect’ – extends to drama and fiction (for example…). Some do better than others, as with ITV’s treatment of the issue in 2011; they were strongly advised to aim for a similar balance in a January 2014 Coronation Street storyline. The BBC, on the other hand, has consistently failed to present euthanasia and assisted suicide with the objectivity required of a national broadcaster. From news and documentaries to soap, drama and comedy, the Corporation has justifiably been called a ‘cheerleader for assisted suicide‘.
If you consider a portrayal or report about assisted suicide, euthanasia or other end of life issues to be biased or in breach of media guidelines, you can complain to the broadcaster (e.g. BBC) or newspaper; to regulators like Ofcom; or to your MP or Members of the House of Lords (especially where the bias concerns the license fee payer-funded BBC). Social media is a useful way of engaging with others during or shortly after a broadcast or as soon as a media story has been published. On Twitter, be sure to include our handle: @CNKAlliance.
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