OMAGH VICTIMS SENT TV WARNING
Omagh victims sent TV warning
By Enda McClafferty
LETTERS have been sent to Omagh bomb victims warning them of possible distress that may be caused by footage to be shown on TV tonight.
The unprecedented step follows a wave of concern from victims about the repeated screening of amateur film taken moments after the explosion.
Following advice from trauma experts, producers of tonight's Channel Four Dispatches programme have now contacted victims to warn them about the contents of the show.
Although the programme, which goes out at 9.30pm, focuses mainly on the threat posed by new terrorist groups, it does feature a lengthy exert of the amateur footage.
"Given the sensitivity of the footage contained in the programme we decided to warn viewers who may be upset at seeing the carnage," explained a Channel Four spokeswoman.
"In this instance, we decided to contact the trauma team working with the victims in order to advise those affected, that scenes were contained in tonight's programme.
"Channel Four always tries to be sensitive when reporting news events. However, the horror of situations like Omagh means we have to provide a balanced coverage."
Micheal Duffy, co-ordinator of the Community Trauma and Recovery Team in Omagh said victims have been expressing concern about the frequent screening of the amateur footage.
"A significant number of victims have informed the trauma team that they would appreciate advance warning of screenings of the amateur footage shot moments after the bomb." he said.
"This is the first time that a television company had approached the team and we are grateful that they had the courtesy to give us advance warning."
By Enda McClafferty
LETTERS have been sent to Omagh bomb victims warning them of possible distress that may be caused by footage to be shown on TV tonight.
The unprecedented step follows a wave of concern from victims about the repeated screening of amateur film taken moments after the explosion.
Following advice from trauma experts, producers of tonight's Channel Four Dispatches programme have now contacted victims to warn them about the contents of the show.
Although the programme, which goes out at 9.30pm, focuses mainly on the threat posed by new terrorist groups, it does feature a lengthy exert of the amateur footage.
"Given the sensitivity of the footage contained in the programme we decided to warn viewers who may be upset at seeing the carnage," explained a Channel Four spokeswoman.
"In this instance, we decided to contact the trauma team working with the victims in order to advise those affected, that scenes were contained in tonight's programme.
"Channel Four always tries to be sensitive when reporting news events. However, the horror of situations like Omagh means we have to provide a balanced coverage."
Micheal Duffy, co-ordinator of the Community Trauma and Recovery Team in Omagh said victims have been expressing concern about the frequent screening of the amateur footage.
"A significant number of victims have informed the trauma team that they would appreciate advance warning of screenings of the amateur footage shot moments after the bomb." he said.
"This is the first time that a television company had approached the team and we are grateful that they had the courtesy to give us advance warning."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0559
Published Date: 04-Feb-99
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