Did Four Corners go too far interviewing traumatised kids from Beslan? Reporter Debbie Whitmont hits back to Terry Television’s suggestion that it would be illegal in Australia. Read her letter below:

The current affairs freak show
Crikey email – 16 November

Last night Four Corners did a story on the children of Beslan, scene of that horrific siege in Southern Russia. Just over 628,000 people watched nationally. There was a turn-off of significant size from Australian Story’s 1.188 million. In fact the turn-off was around 560,000 people, within 70,000 of the size of the entire Four Corners audience.

Interviewing, talking to children, asking one to talk about how his mother was shot, would not be allowed here in Australia. So why is it justified because it was in another country?

There is a big hint of emotional manipulation. Not that it shouldn’t have been looked at, just that it was only possible because those children were beyond the reach of Australian law.

It was similar to the recent spate of stories on Backyard Blitz and A Current Affair on the Nine Network and on Today Tonight on Seven, where children with physical and or mental disabilities are used as ‘human interest stories’.

The only justification is where there is a reason, such as raising money or part of a legal action or problematic act (poor delivery at birth). But there is the sniff of exploitation, heart rendering promos during the afternoon, weekend or evening.

Rather than pay for stories, such as Croc facilities, shooting security guards or other stories this year, the news programs and others seem to be mining a steady market in what at times resembles a modern circus freak show.

That’s not the biggest worry I have. Some of these stories should be seen, but at the moment there’s a ‘get the freaks out’ approach to boosting the ratings. If that’s the justification, stick to diets and bad backs.

This story on a concert in Victoria to raise money for the children of Beslan did not get a run on Four Corners last night. It was too local and did not provide enough ‘good pictures’.

That was the last Four Corners of the year. It returns in February. Where? Hopefully still in the Monday evening slot of 8.30pm.

Debbie Whitmont: Four Corners broke no laws in Beslan

Four Corners reporter Debbie Whitmont writes:

Dear Crikey,

Terry Television clearly didn’t enjoy our Four Corners program about the school siege at Beslan, but how about getting the facts straight? TT claims that interviewing children in this way in Australia would be illegal.

Where does he get this from? There’s no such law. Accusing us of evading Australian law, or even the spirit of one, is completely wrong and insulting.

Watching the program, it is quite obvious that all the interviews with children were done in homes. We did not pounce on children and ‘vox pop’ them in the street. In fact, every single interview with a young person was done with the express permission of the child’s parents or closest guardians. A parent or guardian was present throughout each interview.

The children who spoke to Four Corners were permitted to do so because their parents believed the project was worthwhile – they did not want the world to forget what had happened in Beslan. They know very well how fast the news agenda moves on – they wanted people to remember that their loss is permanent.

Not everyone in Beslan does want to talk to journalists. Many are still too traumatised to talk to anyone. But some do and they were the ones we approached. A number even told us they found it helpful. In fact some of the children in our program had been encouraged by therapists to talk about it – which is probably why were they were able to do so.

I know all of this stands in the way of a good opportunity to have a ‘go’ at Four Corners – but next time maybe TT should pick something that deserves it fair and square.

Debbie Whitmont
Four Corners