ECU's new student media director weighs in on nude pictures - WNCT | 9 On Your Side Greenville NC & Eastern NC News

To publish nude photos or not in a student publication?

A controversial topic at East Carolina University, after the East Carolinian and Expressions magazine printed naked pictures.

Both incidents came under two different advisors.

Last week, ECU hired a new director, John Harvey, to head up student media.

So, 9 on your side wanted to know his stance on publishing nude pictures in student publications.

"If there is a reason why, I'm going to defend the students, if they thought it through. If they have a deliberative process, and they go through a deliberative process that is aimed at something bigger than just I want to do it, or shock value," said Harvey.

When it comes to publishing nude photos Harvey says students should consider several factors.

"It depends on the situation, the newsworthiness and whether students feel; one, their audience can handle it, two, whether it's newsworthy. What the point of running it is? Why are we running this? Is there a reason for it? And whether it fits what their objectives are as a media organization," said Harvey.

Harvey says his job is to guide students and give them advice.

"My job is to train, educate, and to provide advise and to talk about ethical issues and libel issues. But my job is not to decide what goes into the newspaper or magazine."

Harvey says he hopes want to create and atmosphere where students can make decisions, learn, and grow into award-winning journalists.