I believe that the media should present an unblinking view of all which may be of import. Unfortunately, even in the USA (the so-called bastion of freedom) our media are subject to the puritanical whims of the oral majority and their ilk. "Give us the truth", they say, "so long as it accords with our moral and spiritual beliefs."

Mind you, I'm not advocating sensationalism and muckraking -- rightly called "yellow journalism" -- and I understand why the conventions against airing certain types of news exist, but let's not lose sight of the fact that there is much that is terrible and unpleasant in the world. If our news omits all mention of these things, of what value is it?

When the news presents us images of all that is right, noble and good in the world, wouldn't it be nice to have something to compare it to? Perhaps we will eventually learn to make the world such a place that the conventions against airing the unpleasant need no longer exist?

</rant>