What Lesson Does Video Shocker Teach?

So our local TV stations feel that it’s OK to show a person murdered in a cemetery (“Fla. Killing Shocks L.A. Viewers,” Jan. 21). Fine. But where does that leave me?

I’m a lowly journalism professor at an Ivory Tower called Pepperdine, trying to educate young people so they become professional, ethical journalists. Now I’m faced with trying to add another “news value” to my list of timeliness, proximity, impact and the like. Should I call it shock value? Ratings gain? Or corporate greed?

And what about the ethics books I use? Certainly I need to throw those away too. What shall I teach my students? Where’s the line? Or is there one?

KEN WATERS

Newbury Park