Viewers wanted to know victim's fate in advance
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A STILL from a World in Action programme (above) used in research which has revealed that people are less tolerant of drama techniques where crimes are involved than programme-makers and broadcasters allow.
Groups of people were shown a film describing how a convicted criminal raped, whipped and half drowned another man.
The sequence started with the two men walking together; it cut to an interview with a neighbour, then into a drama showing the face of a man clearly whipping someone. It showed the victim's head being held under water, then a body breaking through a glass door. The commentary explains that, in desperation, he jumped through the glass.
The researcher, Brent Morrison, said that, surprisingly, two groups suggested the sequence should be adjusted to make it clear from the outset that the victim escaped and survived the attack. Another group said they preferred the more traditional method of having the neighbour recount the story, without adding the dramatic effects.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments