The New York Post has done it again.
The tabloid publication--known for its hyper-sensational approach to "news"-- has drawn ire from readers and critics alike for the cover you see above.
The man hanging on the subway platform is Ki Suk Han--a father from Queens who got into an altercation with a panhandler before he was pushed on the tracks. (Moments later, he was fatally struck by the train.)
What is most troubling about this photo is the egregious disrespect shown to Mr. Han's family. The world will see his last moments sold to readers for a profit by the newspaper and the "photographer." It makes one wonder if autopsy and crime scene photos will soon be published on front pages to help "save" the fledgling newspaper business.
The same New York Post looking to boost readership has been losing it to competitors like The New York Times and The New York Daily News.
It appears as if their efforts have resulted in a counterproductive outcome.
In the news business, there is the mantra: "If it bleeds, it leads." In that case, The New York Post must believe that instead of reporting about a photographer saving a man from his impending fate --it would be better to post a picture showing just how insensitive we have become.
For many publishers of media, the temptation of using "sensation" is always present--even for yours truly. Yet, the payoff for using shock value should never be traded for basic ethics and moral. Simply put: there are some things that money can't buy.
You can't buy the respect of your readers--you must earn it.
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