NBC Criticized Over Gunman Footage

NBC News spent Thursday morning reacting to criticism that it had exploited the Virginia Tech tragedy, in an attempt to bolster ratings, by showing footage of killer Cho Seung-Hui. Among the critics are several family members of victims who reportedly pulled out of scheduled interviews with NBC following the network’s decision to air footage sent to them by the shooter. In a statement released today, NBC news claimed that it had “covered this story, and our unique role in it, with extreme sensitivity.” In related news, tune in to NBC News tonight for a tour of Cho Seung-Hui’s MySpace page and a dramatic reading of his recent instant messenger communications.