Why are children being interviewed?

[Fly320s]

Re: the CT school shooting.

What kind of parent allows a child to be interviewed by the media after a traumatic event? 

My answer: dirtbags.

[Ron]

If you can't win an argument using reason and facts, you appeal to biases and emotion.

[SADShooter]

It's our culture now. Any opportunity to get a face on TV. In a world where Honey Boo Boo is a celebrity, dignity and decorum are lost ideas...

[Monkeyleg]

These children have a deep understanding of and unique insight into the subject of a public policy debate.

[RoadKingLarry]

These children have a deep understanding of and unique insight into the subject of a public policy debate.

I'd trust the honest innocence of a 6 year old before I'd trust Obama when it comes to public policy

[Hawkmoon]

"The media" are subtly pulling out all the stops to remind Mr. and Mrs. America that this tragedy targeted and killed innocent children. Interviewing adults, even the parents of the children in the school, doesn't have as great an effect as putting scared, distraut children in front of the camera.

There's one story about an 8-year old who was interviewed about the teacher who saved his life (very possibly true) by yanking him out of the corridor into her classroom. But the kid is quoted as saying he could see bullets flying down the hallway.

And the reporter printed it. It makes for such a great story -- even though it's impossible.

[Jamisjockey]

"The media" are subtly pulling out all the stops to remind Mr. and Mrs. America that this tragedy targeted and killed innocent children. Interviewing adults, even the parents of the children in the school, doesn't have as great an effect as putting scared, distraut children in front of the camera.

There's one story about an 8-year old who was interviewed about the teacher who saved his life (very possibly true) by yanking him out of the corridor into her classroom. But the kid is quoted as saying he could see bullets flying down the hallway.

And the reporter printed it. It makes for such a great story -- even though it's impossible.

QFT

The war on mass shootings is about to commence.

[Monkeyleg]

If they were serious about having a war on mass shootings, they should start by not covering the story 24/7, by not mentioning the shooter's name, and by not trying to analyze him. Just say he was a POS, probably a wanker. That's it.

[geronimotwo]

"The media" are subtly pulling out all the stops to remind Mr. and Mrs. America that this tragedy targeted and killed innocent children. Interviewing adults, even the parents of the children in the school, doesn't have as great an effect as putting scared, distraut children in front of the camera.

There's one story about an 8-year old who was interviewed about the teacher who saved his life (very possibly true) by yanking him out of the corridor into her classroom. But the kid is quoted as saying he could see bullets flying down the hallway.

And the reporter printed it. It makes for such a great story -- even though it's impossible.

either he has very good eyesight, saw casings flying, or mistakenly said "saw" instead of "heard".  in any case, he was a lot closer to this tragedy than i would want my kids to be.

[Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas]

If they were serious about having a war on mass shootings, they should start by not covering the story 24/7, by not mentioning the shooter's name, and by not trying to analyze him. Just say he was a POS, probably a wanker. That's it.

Yeah, but that doesn't help the ratings.

[SteveS]

If they were serious about having a war on mass shootings, they should start by not covering the story 24/7, by not mentioning the shooter's name, and by not trying to analyze him. Just say he was a POS, probably a wanker. That's it.

I agree that they should tone it down, but I would like some analysis, since I am sure the .gov will be using this to enact laws and regulations.  I'd like to be privy to the same info they have.

That being said, if it were me, I wouldn't put my kid on TV.  I will say that some of them are very well spoken for their age.

[never_retreat]

Sensationalizing these things only empowers someone else to do it.

[Lee]

Interesting point.  They rarely, if ever, interview kids who have survived natural disasters or accidents.

[zxcvbob]

If they were serious about having a war on mass shootings, they should start by not covering the story 24/7, by not mentioning the shooter's name, and by not trying to analyze him. Just say he was a POS, probably a wanker. That's it.

Mass murders make good television.  So the news media milks it for all it's worth, and secretly *hopes* for the next one.  Accessory before the fact?  (not legally culpable, but partially responsible just the same)  Bastards.

[griz]

They interview kids because it makes a TV show that draws viewers.  Note that the print media doesn't interview kids because their cuteness doesn't come across on paper.

Why do parents let their kids be interviewed?  I guess the TV screen commands a lot of respect.

[280plus]

Don't forget fills airspace. Gotta fill that airspace. Yep, I've already posted to the local TV website telling them to all go home and leave the people alone. Lot of positive responses.