News outlets covering the trial of former President Donald Trump in Manhattan were faced with a disturbing incident on Friday when a man set himself on fire outside the courthouse. The incident was caught on video cameras, testing the networks on how quickly they could react and what footage was too disturbing for viewers. CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC were all on the air when the man distributed pamphlets, doused himself with an accelerant, and set himself on fire. The man was later taken to a hospital, where he died. The networks had different approaches to showing the incident, with CNN providing the most extensive view of the scene, including the moment the man was visible in flames.
CNN anchor Laura Coates narrated the incident as it unfolded, describing the smell of burning flesh and the emotional response of watching a human being engulfed in flames. The network posted a warning about graphic content five minutes after the incident started. Fox News briefly showed the scene as a reporter talked, then switched to a courtroom sketch of Trump on trial. MSNBC also covered the incident, with reporter Yasmin Vossoughian describing the scene and the outline of the man’s body in the flames. The AP had an unnarrated live shot of the incident outside the courthouse, catching the man lighting himself on fire and writhing on the ground before being helped by a police officer.
University of Hawaii associate professor Julien Gorbach noted that news organizations did not face a dilemma about showing the footage as there was little to be gained by displaying images of a man lighting himself on fire. The incident highlights how quickly information travels and the importance of critical thinking in processing news. Gorbach emphasized the need for the public to sort out facts and engage in critical thinking to understand the truth behind such incidents. While some may have assumed the self-immolation was related to the trial, media coverage was careful to question any connection and consider the possibility that the man sought media attention.
Gorbach pointed out that news organizations cannot suppress the news to prevent confusion, as information would still circulate online regardless. The incident serves as a test for the public to critically analyze news and information. The coverage of the man setting himself on fire outside the courthouse highlighted the challenges and responsibilities of media organizations in presenting sensitive and disturbing content. Ultimately, the networks had to navigate the delicate balance between providing accurate information to the public and considering the impact of graphic images on viewers.
