George Zimmerman Murder Trial
One of the key players in the George Zimmerman murder trial wasn't a witness or crime-scene photo, but something anyone interested in the case had equal access to, social media. Before during and after the trial, social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube were used by family members, supporters, media and lawyers of Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin.
Days after Trayvon's death, celebrities, media personalities and activists used social media to demand the Sanford Police Department arrest, George Zimmerman.Some of the media's major mistakes stemmed from stories that fit neatly into that widely accepted narrative. NBC News edited Zimmerman's comments during a phone call to inaccurately suggest that he volunteered that Trayvon seemed suspicious because he was black. In fact, Zimmerman was responding to a question when he mentioned the teenager's race. The network apologized for the error. …show more content…
Another news outlet, ABC News broadcast, reported a story that a police surveillance video showed no evidence that Zimmerman suffered abrasions or bled during the confrontation with Trayvon.
Shortly thereafter, it "clarified" the situation, reporting that an enhanced version of the video showed Zimmerman with "an injury to the back of his head." As the investigation into Trayvon Martin's death continued, and media coverage became more intense, the press began reporting more on the personal character of Martin and George Zimmerman. Both men would be placed under a media microscope; the intensity of the public attention ultimately led Zimmerman to go into hiding.
The death of Trayvon Martin was tragic. The exploitation of that death was equally tragic. Events such as these, unpleasant as they are, can also be opportunities for Americans to gain a greater understanding of their countrymen. This conversation can best happen with a responsible media as a moderator. In this case, the media was anything but
responsible.
Days after Trayvon's death, celebrities, media personalities and activists used social media to demand the Sanford Police Department arrest, George Zimmerman.Some of the media's major mistakes stemmed from stories that fit neatly into that widely accepted narrative. NBC News edited Zimmerman's comments during a phone call to inaccurately suggest that he volunteered that Trayvon seemed suspicious because he was black. In fact, Zimmerman was responding to a question when he mentioned the teenager's race. The network apologized for the error. …show more content…
Another news outlet, ABC News broadcast, reported a story that a police surveillance video showed no evidence that Zimmerman suffered abrasions or bled during the confrontation with Trayvon.
Shortly thereafter, it "clarified" the situation, reporting that an enhanced version of the video showed Zimmerman with "an injury to the back of his head." As the investigation into Trayvon Martin's death continued, and media coverage became more intense, the press began reporting more on the personal character of Martin and George Zimmerman. Both men would be placed under a media microscope; the intensity of the public attention ultimately led Zimmerman to go into hiding.
The death of Trayvon Martin was tragic. The exploitation of that death was equally tragic. Events such as these, unpleasant as they are, can also be opportunities for Americans to gain a greater understanding of their countrymen. This conversation can best happen with a responsible media as a moderator. In this case, the media was anything but
responsible.