I’d really prefer this site not become just a “wot the CT done” talk shop.
So when the buzz started yesterday about *that* picture I thought we’d let it pass through to the keeper.
But now it’s national news let’s take a swing.
So this adorned the front page of Canberra’s only broadsheet yesterday.
It’s the work of Brendan Esposito, a Fairfax photographer.
Mark Baker, the CT editor, says it’s a “tremendous picture” and informs us that anyone thinking they can see anything untoward are “imagining more than is there”. (Bearing in mind that Mark has access to a higher resolution version than the rest of us)
I’m sure you’ll all have an opinion but frankly I have trouble believing this line:
“It didn’t occur to me that people would have a problem with the issue of the dress,” he said.
There might not be anything “to see” but it’s still a gutter up-skirt shot for mine (and yes I considered having this discussion without reproducing the image for just that reason but I think we can assume the damage is done). I also thought using a shot capturing her laughing in such an ugly way was unkind and not something we’d do at any publication I’ve worked for.
Anyone want to guess what the increased relevance is worth compared to the cancelled subscriptions from readers who prefer not to have an up-skirt shot on their breakfast table?
UPDATED: The CT is running an AAP story justifying it’s own decisions, but the letters to the editor have few kind words.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Journalism academic Julie Posetti is not at all impressed with the CT’s actions and goes so far as to claim that elements within the paper are also very unhappy.