Denver stations have been in overdrive this week covering an extensive wildfire that has burned more then 40,000 acres in Larimer County. On Monday, the county sheriff’s office requested that the media not show images of destroyed homes, out of respect to homeowners. News directors have noted the sensitivity of the issue, but have turned down the request, the Denver Post reports:
“While we have deep respect for what Larimer County is asking, at the same time we are hearing from the same community that they want to know,” said Jeff Harris, News Director at [KMGH]. The outpouring of response regarding the station’s extended coverage has been rewarding, he said.
“This is not the time for that kind of fight,” Harris said.
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“We certainly understand the emotional nature of those images,” said [KCNC] News Director Tim Wieland. “In fact, many news events in our community can be difficult to watch for those who are directly affected. However, while we take care not to show inappropriate images, our job at the end of the day is to cover the news.”