They Have No Shame

It has been a long-standing tradition in media not to publish the names of the victims of suicide. Exceptions are made if the person is well-known, or if the editors feel there is a compelling reason. Otherwise, like the names of incest victims, those names aren't published.

Today, WANE TV and WOWO radio saw fit to cast aside that long-held courtesy by identifying by name, a man who was pulled from the St. Joe River on Friday. Both media outlets properly identified their source of information as the Allen County Coroner's office. Why the victim's name was published, is not clear, but the Maven will take a stab at it.....

The kids in the WOWO news room probably don't know any better and simply handled the story as they do most, by cutting and pasting from a media release. Generally, it's an entry-level job where clerical skills are more valued than news judgement.

As for WANE TV......they seem to be creating a brand for themselves. 15 Finds Out.....as if having a library card, an internet connection and a pushy attitude is a franchise. The News Bully seems more appropriate for them. They don't care who they hurt or who they trample on. The Maven would prefer to call them Rat Bastards. (sorry mom)

While the media is full of heart-breaking stories every day, the dynamics surrounding a suicide are unique to society. We would hope that the media would have compassion in special cases like this. 

The Maven does send Kudos to 21Alive and the Journal Gazette. They handled this story correctly and deserve to be recognized for their efforts.