Some people think visual images, such as photographs and videos, can most accurately inform people about a news story. Others believe they are not reliable sources of information. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

With the advent of new media technologies,
such
as cameras,
news
organisations today can utilise visual
content
in their TV channels or internet resources.
Although
it is commonly believed that
this
development effectively guarantees the accuracy of the material being delivered, I do not think that the addition of videos and images helps to avoid the distortion of the reality of the
news
. Media
content
certainly adds extra points to the validity and, more importantly, to the transparency of the message being delivered to an audience. Unlike the traditional means of broadcasting
news
, using text and voice, they allow receiving information by a whole another sensory property, which is vision.
Thus
, the audience develops more trust in
news
organisations showing footage about the discussed topic.
However
, there are some downsides to exploiting visual
content
, which reduce their reliability. Similar to text and voice, visual
content
can
also
be edited. Nowadays, there are a wide array of options for how images and videos can be modified and still maintain their original appearance.
For example
, desktop applications
such
as Photoshop or Adobe After Effects could be easily employed in editing some parts of a video or a photo.
Furthermore
, even when not edited, visual materials can still be used to hide a piece of information. TV channels regularly present only the part of a story they feel is most relevant to their vision.
For instance
, they may urge reporters to capture a pre-defined list of footage they will display on TV.
As a result
, they effectively deliver
news
from their angle without revealing a whole story to an audience. In a nutshell, it is true that the developed means of broadcasting
news
which use images and videos
,
Remove the comma
apply
show examples
have contributed to the transparency of information delivery.
However
, in my vision, as long as visual
content
can be manipulated, people should not develop complete trust in
news
companies utilising it.
Submitted by jaker.raimov on

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

You are not ready for IELTS Speaking, if you

  • Can’t speak smoothly without pauses.
  • Use simple words and lack vocabulary.
  • Feel nervous and anxious when speaking.
Topic Vocabulary:
  • Photographic evidence
  • Visual documentation
  • Media manipulation
  • Out of context
  • Authenticity
  • Sensationalism
  • Fact-checking
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Corroborating evidence
  • Journalistic integrity
What to do next:
Look at other essays:

Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

Learn how to write high-scoring essays with powerful words.
Download Free PDF and start improving you writing skills today!