Televising Live Coverage of Police Pursuits

Re “Chopper Exclusive! Live! CHP Traffic Stop!” by Arthur A. Lord, Commentary, Oct. 8:

In Lord’s opinion, televised high-speed chases are not newsworthy. But the example he cited, the July 30 chase, is the clearest case of why these pursuits are news. Clearly, a crazed man on the loose with a spear gun presents an imminent danger to the community. That’s about as newsworthy as it gets.

Last year, live coverage of another chase caught Riverside sheriff’s deputies mercilessly beating undocumented aliens as they tried to flee. Those deputies were disciplined. One even lost his job.

The live camera sheds light and heat when it’s needed most. And it’s almost always certain that the end of a high-speed chase will create controversy. There’s no question these chases are entertaining. But there’s also no question whether they’re newsworthy.

MICHAEL HOROWICZ

Hollywood

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* Lord’s piece has been a long time in coming. TV viewers are said to be drawn to the thrill of the chase. Ratings up.

Certainly there is the ongoing dispute among print and electronic journalists over whether the news media should follow or lead the interests of readers and viewers. The responsible decision is in the news media taking the lead and telling the reader/viewer what he/she needs to know, not necessarily what appeals to the prurient interests. The chopper chases fall into that latter category, as does the constant overcoverage of murders, gang and family violence and the curious fascination (NBC) with snake stories. That’s all the local news they can find? If so, it’s time to consider better teams of editors, reporters and producers.

For TV, I suppose they must decide whether they are trying to entertain or inform. When will they come to realize that the true winners among TV newscasts are those that inform?

JACK WHITEHOUSE

Los Angeles

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* Lord hit the nail on the head with his thoughts on the misuse of TV news helicopters to cover meaningless “events.” Items that are covered from the air by news choppers will never be seen in the next day’s newspaper because these stories have no relevance to the average reader. The only reason you’ll see them on the evening news is because the TV station has spent thousands of dollars on the chopper and now must justify its acquisition.

How about if just one local area TV news director steps forward to announce that in the future he won’t eliminate real news coverage just to show us pictures from the sky?

MIKE DUCHOWNY

Woodland Hills