Should Reporters Get Involved in Stories?

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Anderson Cooper Help Haiti Quake Survivors

Reporters in Haiti on assignment to cover the tragedy are offering a helping hand.

CNN's medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta operated on a young girl.  Anderson Cooper rescued a bloody-faced boy caught in a chaotic looting scene. 


We want to know what you think when a reporter whose expected to remain the sideline crosses the line.

Let's sound off!

"Why would you even consider this a credible discussion?" - Anonymous

"I think the reporters are putting their lives on the line to help people.They should be commended instead of criticized." -Ireneerma

"I think that journalist should be very careful to make sure they are not taking sides.  When they do, their stories start loosing credibility.  But in a natural disaster, there is no other side than the devastated communities.  To avoid getting involved would be against our human nature to help." - Matt

 

"I had actually wondered HOW can you report with all the horrible conditions surrounding you and NOT help? They always looked so fresh faced and clean......unlike the victims. They are first on the scene while relief workers and aid was still trying to find a way to the island. I'm thankful for their compassion and their resolve to be humanitarians FIRST. They aren't part of the story, they're part of a world tragedy that needs to be addressed." - Coral Bleifield

"If help is needed in this desperate situation it is irresponsible to just stand there and watch things get worse if you can do something to help. The reporting is great, the world needs to hear the news as it is happening, but action to help in the moment should take priority." - Tracy Haymaker

"It's showing that they care, and in this day in age, that is very refreshing!" - Megan Brennan

"I think it is good that they can help, it is not easy for them to stand to the side and watch, I am sure they have feelings and compassion and if they do not then they should not report the news." - Aletha Palaszynski

"I believe that at anytime where help is needed and you are capable of helping which is a human charateristic you should help and not turn away like it's not your job. "- Kenneth Wilbanks, Jr.

"Above being a reporter, a correspondent, or a politician, we are all human beings and have a responsibility to help another human being in need. The situation in Haiti is not just a story', it is a horrible reality and they need all the help we can give them.
I see no issue with reporters stepping in to do what's right; it would be an issue if they didn't." - Anonymous

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