The Falling Man documentary was a very upsetting one for me. 9/11, for me, like it is for many, one of my darkest memories, and when I watch footage of it I feel like its happening again.
The debate over weather or not this photo should have been used is a very compelling one. I feel as though both sides of the argument have valid points.
If you relate the argument to the RTDNA Code of Conduct there are two articles that jump out at me. Article 1 "Accuracy" and Article 3 "Authenticity". In order to tell the story accurately you must use the photos or video that will best show your points, and to be authentic, even if the images are disturbing, they must be used to portray the correct picture.
On the other hand there is one article in the code that would be solid argument towards not using the photo. That article is Article 8, Decency and Conduct. It says you must treat sources and other people with decency. You have to think that the man in this photo could possibly be a father, a brother, a son. For a family member to see this would be awful.
If I was the editor of the paper, I would have used this photo. 9/11 was awful, and despite the fact of all the heroic efforts the were well publicized, deservedly so, but I think it's our job in the media to show what really happened no matter how hard or disturbing it is. Not to mention how incredible and powerful the photo itself really is.
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