"An American TV network showed photos of the dying princess (Princess Diana) taken moments after a car accident."

"Britain's tabloids gave the story prominenet, outraged coverage on Thursday. "Fury at TV photo of dying Diana," said the Daily Mail."

---Life! section of The Straits Times, 23rd April, 2004.

If I remember correctly, Princess Diana died around seven years ago, on August 31st, 1997, so why are the media moguls of the world still trying to profit from it?

CBS, an American TV network showed pictures of her in her last hours, and all associated with Princess Diana from her friends to her brother to the father of her boyfriend at the time have expressed shock and 'fury' at the 'vile images' that were 'horribly offensive'. The Guardian, an English newspaper, said that CBS had decided to 'plumb new depths of prurience in the Princess Diana industry'. Aptly put.

One can gather from the words 'industry' that there must be quite a few media companies that are trying to gain from her death, which I find rather disturbing and disquieting. I know it is a dog eat dog world out there in the media industry, but does that mean they must continue being so insensitive towards her death and all things associated with her? I realise to media companies, an icon's death basically symbolises a good chance to make money, a good chance to ride on the wave of mourning and grief, and it can be good, as well. One example would be the death of Anita Mui, the Hong Kong pop diva. The media knew that fans from all over the world would flock to CD stores to stock up on her CDs and so, they re-released them. Now, this one of the better examples of good, sensitve marketing. Nothing offensive was published in that particular week, and people could buy Anita Mui memorabilia. Of course, in the later weeks, as usual, dirty stories began popping up here and there.

Same with Princess Diana. I know her death was probably an opportunity for the media to make money as her death affected many people, and not just those in Britain; if you can recall, she also helped by way of humanitarian aid and charities. However, this does not mean that CBS can start showing the world photos of her death and her last moments!

I am quite sure these photos have re-opened the wounds of many people, and have adversely affected many people. Did CBS ever consider the feelings of her sons? Prince Charles? The British monarchy in general? They have already been through enough with their parents' rocky marriage and their mother's untimely death, they do not have to be reminded again!

In case you were wondering, the British press, not exactly known for solmenity and seriousness, 'has refrained from publishing similar photos since Diana's death in 1997'. If the British press is able to remain sensitive to the feelings of relatives of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, then why can't CBS do the same?

CBS claims that the photos are not 'graphic or exploitative'. But to me, it is not whether they are graphic or exploitative, but just the fact that they used photos of Princess Diana that leaves me fuming.

Have we all really plummeted to that stage where we do not care about the feelings of others, and do whatever we can in order to earn more money?

I know that the competition between various media companies is probably extremely fierce, but that really does not give them permission to cash in on people's hurt or interest or whichever and use a person's death to make money.

I mean, Princess Diana has been dead for nearly a decade now, that chapter has been closed, it's over, done, finished. So why re-open it? Has all respect, including respect for the dead suddenly vanished into thin air?

And knowing how supportive the British people can be of their monarchy, one wonders if CBS has traded a quick buck for the wrath of a nation.

Oh, the things we do for money...

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