We listen to the voice of experience.
Once again, we are here to share the news about the shooting of our documentary “La Palabra Maldita” (The Cursed Word). As mentioned in our previous entries, the way that media adresses the subject of suicide is a very relevant matter. We continue with the interview series to media professionals in order to obtaing a first hand insight of this topic.
We have had the great opportunity to talk to Carlos Quílez, journalist and writter. Carlos worked during more than 20 years as a radio journalist for the Spanish radio Station, cadena SER. He has also worked in the investigation area of Spanish Journals such as Economía Digital and Crónica Global. Moreover, he has been the assistant director of the Spanish journal Estrella Digital. Nowadays, he participates in various radio debate programs in addition of colaborating in other shows on different TV channels.
Suicide in media, a sensationalist approach.
Not until long ago, suicide in media was just adressed with a sensationalist approach. In Spain, the news about suicide were only covered in a section named “sucesos” that also included murders, other crimes and disasters. Carlos Quílez has a wide professional career as a journalist in charge of this section. During his interview, he gave us an accurate insight of the historical attitude of many journalists and media regarding the coverage of suicide news .
Among other facts, he told us that ” some media even have a decalogue that specifically bans them from talking about suicide”. Contrary to this approach, there is that of the “tabloids” (prensa amarilla) that according to Carlos, ” don´t hesitate to extensively report about suicide in a sensationalist way if they believe that this will make them increase their audience”.
This approaches have already lasted too long, but luckily they are changing. “La Palabra Maldita” (The Cursed Word) wants to contribute to this change. Not just with the premiere of our documentary, but during its process. We will keep learning about it and fostering dialogue around the subject of suicide prevention. We want to invite you to be part of it and walk along us in the journey.
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