Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Now That's Sensational!!

CNN headline today: Children die in fiery plane crash

Excerpt from story:
A Russian commercial jet crashed in Ukraine on Tuesday, killing all 170 on board, the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry reported. Among the dead were 45 children, Pulkovo Airlines said. The pilot sent a distress signal reporting a fire on board and heavy turbulence, shortly before the plane crash landed, Ukrainian officials said.
Is that really the best headline for the article? What about the 125 people that weren't children? If the plane hit a school or children's hospital, maybe it'd be appropriate. Apparently not the case so I think this one garners the Sensational Headline of the Day* award.

*The Sensational Headline of the Day is completely endorsed by pretty much every one who doesn't want to endorse it, including Coke and Pepsi. It discriminates based on race, gender, sexual orientation, eye color and quantum spin state. And if you don't like it, it hates you and thinks your shirt is ugly.

2 comments:

utenzi said...

But Chris--a headline is just there to pull in a reader. It doesn't have to reflect the main point of the story--just grab the eye. Dead kids sell newspapers! I do admire your idealism though.

Brian said...

If I was stuck on a plane with 45 children, I might actually pray for a fiery crash.