Stills

"but its inclusion in this shot adds to the commentary being offered up by the photographer."

To put a slightly different perspective on this, I had to look up Politkovskaya to find out what this was about. In part because of that, I'm reading this photo as about our desensitization by saturation; at least two people watching their own TV's, at least another two on their cell phones. With so much communicative stimuli available, how can sort through it all? The background clutter seems to reinforce this theme.
 

Two interesting comments - in hindsight I was probably closer to Akikana's thoughts but in looking at it since taking it I realise that Matt's comment is more hard-hitting. There is also a lesson to be learned about what constitutes 'news'.
 

I've come to this too late to not be influenced by the existing comments.

When I first saw this, I thought that this story clearly had some more meaning to John than to me. But my longer lasting reaction to it is more along the lines of a commentary on our society.

There are two news stories on that one screen (the main one and the one in the bottom bar). They are snatched from a never ending stream of stories. Being a news recipient can be a full time job. News is also a part of the entertainment industry.

Even I (no TV, no radio, no daily newspaper) read a fair few words about this story. To what end?
 

To what end? I would like to be convinced that in a democracy a well-informed citizen has an important role to play - but I am not! However, it was not my intent to start a debate about the media (and I could write a lot about my thoughts on that subject). Nor shall I contest the statement "...news is also a part of the entertainment industry..." despite the fact that I would like to!

The photo was, first and foremost, a comment on Politkovskaya's death: that we know what we do about Russia's activity in Chechnya is largely due to her. It was also an experiment in photographing in low light. The composition was designed to include some of the points made in earlier comments, albeit more slanted towards a snapshot of what it is like in an airport.
 

John, your intention re: Politkovskaya's death does come across but I do think the stronger message for me is in line with matt’s sentiments but extended. I get a sense of society and its relationship/dependence on information and communication….to always be plugged in.
 

I get the message of one open mouthed and astonished viewer concentrating on the news whilst the rest of the world carried on oblivious as to what is happening.

I recall having arguments with my daughter when I wanted to watch the news about the invasion of Iraq and she wanted to watch Hollyoaks.

Democracy is under threat in many places.