Media generally varies on whether or not its’ content is ethical or not. In the case of Tibetan uprisings and self-immolations’, media coverage is limited due to the strict laws enforced by China. When there are self-immolation’s and they are broadcasted by a news outlet, the question to ask is whether or not what you’re viewing is ethical. Is it okay to see a picture or watch a video of a human being burning themselves alive? The answer depends on the person viewing the matter.
Protests are designed to be a statement of disapproval or objection to something. If something that is protested isn’t broadcasted, how will a problem be changed? An act of protest is one that wants to been heard/seen, no matter how intense the method is.
On the other hand, one might say that it is the self-immolators’ right to be a silent martyr and that their death should not be publicized as only act of protest. Considered by some to be sacred, death is not a means of demonstration advocating a cause.
The ethics on media coverage itself is also a questionable topic. One online news journalist reported that China had been good for Tibet. Although mentioning valid points on the improvement of Tibets’ economy, the reporter neglected to mention the state of the people and Chinas denial of their culture.