Has Big Media Crossed The Line?

CNN has a story about the tragic stoning death of a young Iraqi woman here. Fair enough. However it also includes footage of the stoning. As mentioned earlier, I was both disgusted by seeing it, but strangely, curious to see it, and wondered, what compels human beings to see something that repulses them? What is our fascination with not only cruelty but tragedy as well?

In any event, I can see the a good reason for posting it - its one thing to hear about, another to see....and upon seeing it many people will be outraged enough to react to ensure that such behavior will not be tolerated. However, right before the video runs (warning/enticing the viewer they are about to see 'graphic' footage).....a commercial runs......I remember hearing sometime ago there was certain types of news that actually brought down ratings and thus, revenues, for media companies, and others (usually fluff) that increased it, and that this and feverish ratings competition has actually effected the content of the news. As we know from copy cat killers and other trends, what is reported as news often effects reality, whether the news is accurate or not.

But what if this barbarism becomes 'news' that actually enhances revenues? Are media companies unethical enough to encourage more of it?