TV scenes from Africa

[anotheoldgit]

Is anyone else sick of the continues horrific scenes from Somalia?

On ITV news they show these scenes on a continuous nightly basis, and what makes matters worse is the fact that they issue no warning before screening them.

If a TV scene contains flash photography, one is warned.

Other disturbing scenes carry a warning ie "Some scenes may be disturbing to some viewers"

But these scenes from Africa, nothing, why is this, are they deliberately screened to shock us?

[notasyoungasiwas]

Maybe they show them so we will dig deep into our pockets to help.

[anotheoldgit]

Yes maybe, but every night?

Also don't you think that at the end of the news, they would pop up telephone numbers ect. where one could set up a contribution?

[smurfchops]

Yes. Same with animal charities.

[Postdog]

I've often heard warnings that we might not like what we see concerning this

[andy-hughes]

You are supposed to be sick!

But not as sick as the poor people in the films they are showing, most of whom are probably already dead by the time the film is shown.

If no-one shows us in grtaphic detail how much these poor people are suffering, how will they ever get a groundswell of opinion to get something done.

If you can say, hand on heart that you donate a three-figure sum annually to a food charity, then you can turn away with a clear concience - if not, be shocked, and motivated to do something about it.

[daisya]

Yes and I sit and cry when I see them, the suffering of humanity and animals is horrendous, we know it goes on and can do little to help. I wish they would warn us what they are going to show. If only we could eradicate this suffering...but sadly we cannot and it upsets me greatly.

[B00]

Why a 3 figure sum Andy?

[daisya]

It isn't always money that is needed, too much goes to the wrong people/in wrong direction, we need cure more times than we need prevention. I think images should be shown but we also need to educate people at the same time, the people who can actually make a difference.

[daisya]

*** sorry...meant prevention rather than cure *** that's my motto - sorry I posted it wrongly there.

[B00]

Like who Daisya, their own politicians who don't appear to be handing over their own billions you mean?

[THECORBYLOON]

"If a TV scene contains flash photography, one is warned." The broadcasting watchdog Ofcom insists that such a warning must be given for pre-recorded items. With regard to upsetting scenes, warnings are often given and if the scenes were not broadcast, would the likes of the BBC and ITN not be accused of censorship or not treating the issue seriously?

[hc4361]

They warn against flash photography so that people who may suffer epileptic fits as a consequence are forewarned, not in case your sensibilities are offended.

[daisya]

Yes Boo those people who don't use the money where it should be used.

[mata hati]

No journalist on the news, newspapers or polititians for that matter, ever mention what the relevent governments in these stricken countries are doing. They the ones who should be digging wells, and providing food, shelter and proper sanitation! No country has no money. We are asked to contribute year after year - where are the wells to provide fresh water and irrigation for crops! where are the funds from previous years - lining the pockets of the governments ! Dont you get fed up with all the contributing, and yet nothing seems to improve - God help the poor folk!!

[notasyoungasiwas]

I so agree with you mata hati. Millions is sent in aid all the time (it all started with Bob Geldof) and then there's the yearly TV appeals which run all night. Where DOES all this money go?? Every few months there seems to be a new appeal. It maddens me that still the suffering goes on and the respective rulers do nothing whilst living in luxury themselve I presume !