‘Tehran’ TV series producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Appeal to emotion

Using emotionally charged language or framing to elicit sympathy or strong feelings, even when reporting facts.

“This is a moment of profound pain for the family, friends, and colleagues,” her company, Donna and Shula Productions, said in a statement. This is a direct quote from her company and is appropriate in a death notice, but it does introduce emotional framing. Because it is clearly attributed and expected in this context, it is only mildly non-objective from a strictly neutral, informational standpoint.

2 suggestions

Keep the quote but explicitly frame it as a standard condolence statement, e.g.: “In a condolence statement, her company said it was ‘a moment of profound pain for the family, friends, and colleagues.’”

Alternatively, summarize in more neutral language: “Her company issued a statement expressing condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.”

Unsubstantiated claims (mitigated by attribution)

Presenting a cause or conclusion without full evidence, even if attributed, can border on unsubstantiated if not clearly marked as preliminary.

“An autopsy has been ordered, the surveillance cameras have been reviewed, and everything seems to indicate it was a suicide,” a police spokesperson said. The phrase “everything seems to indicate it was a suicide” is a preliminary conclusion. It is properly attributed to a police spokesperson and uses hedging (“seems to indicate”), but the underlying evidence is not detailed, so the causal conclusion remains partly unsubstantiated for the reader.

2 suggestions

Clarify the preliminary nature: “...and, according to a police spokesperson, preliminary findings suggest it was a suicide.”

Add a note on the status of the investigation: “Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and final conclusions will depend on the autopsy results.”

Framing effect

Presenting information in a way that subtly guides interpretation, even when facts are accurate.

“The firm said rumours suggesting her death was the result of a criminal act or connected to her nationality were ‘incorrect and unfounded’.” By mentioning rumours without specifying their source or prevalence, the article acknowledges and then dismisses them. This can frame the narrative as one where such rumours are significant enough to address, even if they may be marginal. However, the framing is largely corrective and aims to reduce speculation.

2 suggestions

Clarify the scope of the rumours: “Without specifying their origin, the company said that any rumours suggesting her death was the result of a criminal act or connected to her nationality were ‘incorrect and unfounded’.”

Alternatively, generalize: “The company urged the public not to speculate about criminal or nationality-related motives, calling such suggestions ‘incorrect and unfounded’.”