Posted on: Sunday, October 21, 2001
After Deadline
Headlines wield big power
By John Simonds
Advertiser Reader Representative
Are people on edge because of world events or because a newspaper headline tells them they are?
Maybe some of both, in the same way a chicken and egg are different stages of the same creature, one preceding the other.
Judging from letters and calls to The Advertiser in recent days, some readers see both cause and effect in front-page headlines and other aspects of covering the war in Afghanistan and the trail of anthrax mailings to offices of the news media and Congress.
"Your scare tactics only give great comfort to our foes. I maintain that the nation is more resolute and less fearful," said a letter writer, referring to the Oct. 13, headline "A NATION ON EDGE." Articles beneath it and on inside pages told of federal health and law enforcement agencies pursuing reports of anthrax in various parts of the nation, the continuing hunt for suspected terrorists, heightened military and airport security, and war in Afghanistan.
These activities seem enough to make anyone apprehensive, with or without Page One prompting, but some readers complained the lead headline drove the fear rather than reflecting reports of events that validated it. "It seems like you're working for the other side," said a caller. "I think you're a terrorist. We don't need to be scared by the newspaper. We're a great nation."
A lead headline on Oct. 12, "FBI SOUNDS ALARM," also upset some readers, though it was based on openly stated federal concerns that more acts might be imminent. "Why not inform us by stating it simply and calmly?" asked a letter writer. "You are playing right into bin Laden's hands as so much of our national media is doing. The terrorists couldn't have planned it better, having our newspapers heralding their attacks, yet nothing happens, then more scary headlines, then nothing, keeping everyone on edge and creating paranoia."
Headlines that warn of dangers can become self-fulfilling prophecies, but if a feared outcome doesn't occur, it may be from effective prevention reinforced by warning the public.
An Oct. 10 lead headline, "U.S. owns Afghan skies" drew criticism from a caller who said she supports President Bush and Operation Enduring Freedom but said she thought it was "inflammatory and very irresponsible."
Headlines are written by copy editors, members of The Advertiser's 19-member news desk. A headline should be supported by the content of the article below it. Page One headlines are usually the most newsworthy and attention-getting. It's not just about selling newspapers, as some callers have said, but also to give readers succinct words that sum up the day's main news.
Some readers may prefer headlines that light candles rather than define (or even defy) the darkness, but other readers want action. When, on Oct. 9, The Advertiser led the paper with "Ground force readied," a caller complained the headline wasn't newsy enough.
Others have questioned the practice of identifying U.S. military people in photos. A fighter pilot pictured Oct. 11 with his name visibly printed under the cockpit window of his F14 drew attention of readers who suggested identifying a fighter pilot so precisely could reveal his family's whereabouts, making them possible targets.
Such well-meaning concerns are understandable, but photos have appeared in newspapers regularly identifying members of the armed services in wars. Photos often are taken with the cooperation — and even encouragement — of military information people.
The debate over headlines and photos continues. The Advertiser works to present news in ways that are informative and compelling, while providing "a voice for all the community" to share its opinions. Please feel free to sound off.
