By Miriam Hill

Remember the ice storm in Quebec?

Remember how Peter Mansbridge and the National were right there, at the scene, to give a blow-by-blow account of the carnage?

Now, recall Peter Mansbridge silhouetted against the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove. Again he was right there, bringing the CBC audience closer to the actual tragedy.

The media have taken a bashing in recent weeks regarding their coverage of the Swissair disaster. "Leave the grieving families alone," cry the masses.

Well, the coverage could have been much more graphic than it actually was. However, the question remains: was it really necessary for the CBC to fly its anchorman to the scene of the accident when a reporter could have done the same job?

The local media near Peggy's Cove were the first on the scene of the tragedy, and reportedly were doing a professional and quality job, given the grim task assigned to them. Ironically, as fast as Perrin Beatty could say "more CBC cutbacks," the local media were out and the national media were in. Far in.

The tasks assigned to journalists are by no means always rosy. Who looks forward to approaching people who have just suffered great loss? There is no joy in being assigned to cover a funeral, the death of a child or natural disasters. But it is key to remember that journalists are assigned to these duties. An editor or other Œsuit' makes the decision. Peter Mansbridge was told to go to Peggy's Cove.

"We don't want to see this," some complain. "Show us good news, leave the tragic be."

Many of these opinions are voiced by the same individuals who would gladly frequent a hot dog stand set up near the scene of an accident.

You get hungry while waiting to see how gruesome a car crash is.

Granted, not all humans fall into this category, but it has been shown there is a morbid fascination with death and carnage, the whole "Thank God it's not me in pain" thing. So does Peter Mansbridge really always have to be there?

No. But he will be if people continue to watch him.

If you don't like it, don't watch it.

Money talks. So do low ratings.

There are many journalists who would heave a sigh of relief to not have to talk to any grieving relatives next time around.

MH