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CNN speculates that ISIS threatens the U.S..

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CNN homepage On Friday, November 13th, terrorists attacked Paris, France leaving 129 people dead. The news rang across the world and caused quite the stir internationally. News outlets exploded with news of the attacks as they occurred, updating millions to the tragedy. Though the attacks were widely covered, the content of the coverage differed from source to source. As developments slowed, the coverage quickly shifted into speculation. Instead of providing updates about the newest findings, speculation takes small details and extorts them until they are no longer factual. This is a common phenomenon, once updates aren’t occurring as fast, news stations try to retain viewership by speculating, which appeals to people’s need for answers in wake of tragedy. Initially, French news focused on spreading the information necessary to keep Parisians safe, and statements from law enforcement and President François Hollande concerning the attacks. The group ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a terror group that’s been wreaking havoc on the Middle East in the past few years, was accused of committing the crimes. The BBC provided the facts and statements from the French government, but also focused on the possibility of a second attack in London. As a British station this focus is understandable, though speculative. In the US, news outlets Fox News and CNN focused initially on the facts, but quickly dissolved to speculation about ISIS and the implications the attack have for future U.S. .foreign policy. In the case of the Paris attacks and similar tragedies, people look to the news for authentic news, not wild speculation. Shouldn’t news outlets stay true to news? Especially in wake of tragedy, is speculative coverage ethical? In addition, although the news has a certain responsibility to providing actual news, what responsibility do consumers have in demanding actual news and avoiding speculative broadcasts? UAIS class of 2015 alumnus Jasmine Paul, who attends The American University of Paris, said that she stopped watching the news, both European and American “later into the weekend, when less developments were happening, [and] all of the reporters step[ped] back and start[ed] speculating.” Ceasing to watch the news was Jasmine’s way of avoiding speculation and in a way demanding authentic news. As responsible consumers, people must demand authentic news and avoid speculative broadcasts, especially in wake of tragedy11/17/15

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Jasmine Paul