Executive Summary
- The Associated Press reaffirmed Nick Ut as the author of the 'Napalm Girl' photograph after a year-long investigation prompted by the documentary 'The Stringer'.
- The investigation involved extensive analysis of footage, interviews, and camera equipment, including the Leica M2 believed to have been used.
- The AP's report acknowledges some uncertainties, particularly regarding the specific camera used, but stands by its original crediting of Ut due to a lack of conclusive evidence to the contrary.
Event Overview
The Associated Press launched a comprehensive investigation into the authorship of the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Napalm Girl' photograph following claims made in the documentary 'The Stringer' that Vietnamese freelancer Thanh Nghe was the actual photographer. The investigation sought to verify the historical record amidst challenges to journalistic truth and eyewitness accounts. The AP concluded that Nick Ut should remain credited as the photographer.
Media Coverage Comparison
Source | Key Angle / Focus | Unique Details Mentioned | Tone |
---|---|---|---|
PetaPixel | AP's investigation and decision to maintain Nick Ut's credit. | The article details the AP's investigation process, including analysis of footage, interviews, and camera scrutiny. It also includes information about Thanh Nghe's claims and the documentary 'The Stringer'. AP borrowed the purported Leica camera from the now-closed Newseum. | Neutral and informative. |
Key Details & Data Points
- What: The Associated Press conducted an investigation into the authorship of the 'Napalm Girl' photograph following claims made in the documentary 'The Stringer'. AP reaffirms Nick Ut as the photographer.
- Who: Key individuals include Nick Ut, Thanh Nghe, Horst Faas, Carl Robinson, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, and David Burnett.
- When: The photograph was taken on June 8, 1972, in Trang Bang, South Vietnam. The AP investigation took approximately one year. The documentary 'The Stringer' was screened at the Sundance Film Festival earlier in the year.
- Where: The photograph was taken in Trang Bang, South Vietnam. The investigation involved AP journalists and resources.
Key Statistics:
- Key statistic 1: 97 pages (length of the AP's full investigation report)
- Key statistic 2: $20 (amount Nghe claims he was paid for the photo)
- Key statistic 3: 50 years (duration the photo was believed to have been taken by Ut)
Analysis & Context
The AP's investigation highlights the challenges in verifying historical events and the importance of journalistic integrity. While the documentary 'The Stringer' raises questions about the authorship of the 'Napalm Girl' photograph, the AP's comprehensive analysis and interviews have not produced enough evidence to overturn the long-standing credit to Nick Ut. The investigation does reveal some uncertainty regarding the specific camera used, but the overall conclusion supports Ut's role as the photographer.
Notable Quotes
AP’s sole interest in conducting an investigation into the famous AP photo, ‘The Terror of War,’ commonly known as ‘Napalm Girl,’ is ensuring authorship of the iconic image is fairly and accurately recorded.
There’s nothing that ever has given me pause to think that Nick didn’t shoot that picture.
At a time when journalism is under assault and the definition of truth and eyewitness is being called into question, it’s important that we hold ourselves to account.
Conclusion
After a thorough investigation prompted by claims in the documentary 'The Stringer,' the Associated Press has decided to maintain Nick Ut's credit as the photographer of the 'Napalm Girl' photograph. While some details, such as the specific camera used, remain uncertain, the AP's investigation found no conclusive evidence to support claims that Ut was not the photographer. The AP emphasizes the importance of verifying historical records and upholding journalistic integrity.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.