When the story broke, it didn’t seem real. It was a tragedy so unforeseen that it shook the entire country. Mortality was put into perspective. Kobe and Gianna Bryant. John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli. Sarah and Payton Chester. Christina Mauser. Ara Zobayan. Nine people gone within seconds, yet media companies jumped on the story and pushed it out without blinking an eye. 

Following the crash, TMZ was the first media company to release information to the public. Just over an hour after police were notified, the story was already trending. Los Angeles County Sherriff Alex Villanueva fired back at TMZ for releasing information before family members had heard the tragic news, according to the Cable News Network. 

Although a reporter’s main duty is to be a resource for the public and get the story out there, a sense of respect needs to be upheld. As family members of the victims discovered their loved ones passing through media tabloids, this respect has appeared to be nonexistent. Media is all-encompassing, it exposes grief, trauma and helplessness, according to the United States Department of Federal Affairs.

However, during 9/11, it was reported that adults watched over eight hours of television in relation to the attacks, according to the National Center for PTSD. A zombie-like infatuation with the screen, as much as people wanted to look away, they couldn’t. News acts as a guide when experiencing a traumatic event. 

This brings to light the difficult question of how soon is too soon. The line has blurred between timely reporting, morality and factuality. 

The right thing to do is wait. Give people time to do their jobs, get the complete story. Following Bryant’s death, numerous media outlets released stories with false information, attempting to be the first company to release the painful news. Some claimed every member of the Bryant family perished. Others said there were only three victims. Nine people perished in the horrific accident. Fake statements and misinformation were released by news sources on behalf of the Bryant family, according to BET Networks. 

The fact of the matter is, no matter who the victim or media company, grief needs to be taken into account. Before pushing out a story full of fake information and made-up quotes, reporters must remember the people behind their stories.