Has the horror of the tragic events of Sept. 11 been diluted by the media frenzy that has accompanied them?

Have the constant barrage of images of death and destruction repeated over and over again caused them to lose their power?

These are just some questions we need to ask the news media as its members continue to make a spectacle, both of the atrocious events and of themselves.

Not only do we need to worry about the loss of emotional weight that comes from this sometimes overbearing coverage, but we need to ensure that the fourth estate is doing its job as government watchdog as well. This nation is not served well by television and newspaper journalists who act as cheerleaders chanting “USA!”

Obviously, the extraordinary nature of these tragedies merits extraordinary coverage. Six days after these events, they remain imprinted on every American’s mind. But trotting out talking head after talking head and posting unsubstantiated reports to be repeatedly scrolled at the bottom of the television screen in substitution for substantive news is inexcusable.

Journalists need to ensure that our leaders are performing to the high expectations we demand from them in times of crisis. They must be able to assure that those investigating these crimes aren’t rushing to judgment and that all avenues of action are being explored.

The country is not served by news outlets that are so aggressive in trying to beat their competition that they broadcast or publish erroneous information. Examples of this include reports that five firefighters had been rescued after being trapped in the rubble that was the World Trade Center. An inspiring story to be sure. Unfortunately, it was wrong. Two were rescued after having been missing for only a few hours.

Journalism students are taught to check their facts and verify them with multiple sources before publication. Professional journalists should be held to the same standards.

Journalists should be aggressive – aggressive in the pursuit of truth. Chasing after anyone, even a bottom level anonymous governmental source, who will go on record about military options is only quenching the thirst for blood that some seem to need in the wake of these terrorist attacks.

We should expect more from our country’s most visible journalists.