Fox news, brings you the thrills you want!!

[Gob]

Fox News apologises over live 'suicide' in Phoenix, Arizona

The US network Fox News has apologised for showing a man apparently shooting himself in the head on live television.

Fox News on Friday was covering a high-speed chase that began in Phoenix, Arizona, using a live helicopter shot.

After driving for dozens of miles into the desert, the motorist stopped and ran on a dirt road. He then appeared to put a handgun to his head and fire.

Anchor Shepard Smith later apologised to viewers for not cutting away. "We really messed up," he said.

"We're all very sorry. That didn't belong on TV."

Phoenix police say the chase may have started with a carjacking.

[Sue U]

If they were filming from a helicopter, it probably wasn't nearly as awful as Budd Dwyer's final press conference, which the local TV news was carrying live. (I am only linking to a google search for Dwyer; you can go find the video on your own if that's your thing.)

[Lord Jim]

Sue, is that the politico who blew his brains out in a courtroom a few years ago?

[Gob]

Yep, I remember that; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_dwyer

On January 22, 1987, the day before his sentencing, Dwyer called a press conference. Appearing agitated and nervous, he professed his innocence and declared that he would not resign as state treasurer. Those attending heard his final words.

At this point, Dwyer stopped reading his prepared text. Having stopped reading, he called to three of his staffers, giving each an envelope. One envelope contained a suicide note to his wife. The second contained an organ donor card and other related materials. The third envelope contained a letter addressed to then-Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey, who had taken office just two weeks earlier.

Dwyer then produced a manila envelope with a blued .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Model 27 revolver in it. As he pulled the gun out of the envelope, he said to the gathered crowd, "Please, please leave the room if this will...if this will affect you." Attendees pleaded with Dwyer to put the gun down, while some ran to get help. Others tried to approach him. Dwyer advised everyone not to come near him, saying, "Don't, don't, don't, this will hurt someone." As those around him continued to try and persuade him to reconsider, Dwyer turned the gun toward himself, opened his mouth wide, inserted the gun, and pulled the trigger. The bullet exited out of the top of his head and Dwyer collapsed to the floor behind the podium as a large amount of blood began to gush from his nose down his face and onto his slumped body. Bleeding also immediately came from the exit wound of the fired round. Witnesses screamed and cursed as five news cameras recorded the events. Although Dwyer died within seconds of the gunshot, he was not pronounced dead at the scene until 11:31 a.m.,

[Joe Guy]