Both the New York Daily News and the New York Post have caused an uproar on social media over their decisions to run violent images of the Virginia shooting on Thursdays’ covers.
On Wednesday evening, the New York Daily News tweeted out an early look at the cover, which features three stills from footage that gunman Vester L. Flanagan took of himself shooting WDBJ-TV journalist Alison Parker. Flanagan killed Parker and camera operator Adam Ward on Wednesday before taking his own life.
“An early look at tomorrow’s front page… EXECUTED ON LIVE TV,” the Daily News‘ tweet reads.
The New York Post’s cover features a single image that Flanagan took of himself aiming a gun at Parker. The cover reads: “Gunman Shoots Journalists During Live Broadcast” with the headline “TV MURDER.”
Both covers have led to a deluge of angry responses on Twitter, with many users questioning the judgment of the papers’ editors. Some Twitter users claim that they plan to avoid buying the papers out of protest.
A selection of tweets reflecting the backlash can be seen below. (The Hollywood Reporter has opted to not show either covers, given the graphic nature of the images.)
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WDBJ this morning showing news coverage at its best, NY Daily News tonight showing it at its worst.
— Zach Everson (@Z_Everson) August 27, 2015
Heartless POS at New York Daily News http://t.co/9ZTcgYpleF
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) August 27, 2015
The NY Daily News can act as the lowest form of human life because it won’t suffer consequences. There is no punishment for its actions.
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) August 27, 2015
I’m in New York. I won’t be reading the Daily News tomorrow.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) August 27, 2015
Whoever made the final choice to do that cover for NY Daily News lost some part of their humanity in the process of making that decision.
— Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) August 27, 2015
Anyone out there that has no problem with NY Daily News cover..put yourself in her parent’s home tonight..amidst their heartbreak..
— frank boal (@realfrankboal) August 27, 2015
I also don’t understand why people are sharing the Daily News cover. It’s like saying, “This food makes me want to throw up. Try it.”
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) August 27, 2015
NY Daily News is on every street corner in New York. Kids walking to school tomorrow will see that. I hope bodegas refuse to put it out.
— Molly Knight (@molly_knight) August 27, 2015
I hate that I just saw NY Daily News cover. What a repulsive decision. I went the whole day managing to avoid any images of it… Then that.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) August 27, 2015
I hope everyone boycotts the New York daily news tomorrow. The front cover is disgusting.
— Corey Hirsch (@CoreyHirsch) August 27, 2015
I just reported the NY Daily News for 3 violations for its classless, offensive tweet of its cover. I encourage you to do the same.
— Brian Moore (@BriTheWebGuy) August 27, 2015
Wow, New York Daily News. Seriously? You should be ashamed.
— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) August 27, 2015
Wow. Just saw the Daily News front page tomorrow.. Absolutely disgusting. What have we come to as a society.
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) August 27, 2015
How long does it take the physically stop the presses? The NY Daily News has to be asking that question after previewing tomorrow’s cover
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 27, 2015
@nypost @NYDailyNews your choice of cover this morning is appalling.My supermarket removed when I complained.
— Linda (@lindatennis511) August 27, 2015
@nypost shame on you for the cover. Show some respect to Alison and Adam
— Kim (@kimashton) August 27, 2015
I wish people would stop giving money to @nypost. What they did for the cover today is disgusting, sensational and downright wrong. #WDBJ
— Maureen Alley (@MaureenAlley) August 27, 2015
This @nypost cover makes me ill… but it’s not the first and I’m sure it won’t be the last…
— MBH (@mfromthesfbay) August 27, 2015
This @nypost cover makes me ill… but it’s not the first and I’m sure it won’t be the last…
— MBH (@mfromthesfbay) August 27, 2015
Email: Ryan.Gajewski@THR.com
Twitter:@_RyanGajewski
Aug. 27, 8:25 a.m. Updated to include information about the New York Post‘s cover image.
