Complaint Of Work Of Press Photographers

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28510, 13 February 1958, Page 13

Complaint Of Work Of Press Photographers

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, February 12.

The long debate which has been going on in the columns of British newspapers about the intrusion by representatives of certain sections of the press into the private affairs and private griefs of members of the public has been given an additional mmd by a letter from Mr Anthony Milward, chief executive of British European Airways, with which “The Times” opens its correspondence columns. Mr Milward complained strongly about the behaviour of cameramen from British papers .at the Munich hospital after the air crash in which members of the Manchester United Football team were injured. “I have now, alas, had the opportunity of seeing for myself certain sections of the press in action,” writes Mr Milward. “German doctors and nurses were working with devotion to care for our critically injured countrymen—how great the contrast with the horde of British cameramen who were gathered in the corridors waiting for the chance to photograph the victims in the wards.

“When 1 ventured to protest to the doctor at this intrusion of some 20 cameramen into his hospital he politely indicated they were my countrymen. “Indeed, in an attempt to get them to leave as expeditiously as possible, he finally allowed them one photograph each of the manager, Mr Busby, who was, it seems, their main target.

“I hope I may be spared from seeing again the flash of camera bulbs from six or more photographers at a time as they walked into the ward, in which three men were fighting for their lives, in order to photograph the unconscious man lying in a critical condition in an oxygen tent. “I don’t feel it an edifying spectacle to the German medical staff who were thus impeded in their duties.

“I believe the time has come for the Press Council to stop this scandal of our times. The vast majority of correspondents are decent, helpful, men doing their job in a decent responsible way. It is they who are let down continually by the completely unethical behaviour of a few of their colleagues.”