Reporting Suicide: A tough journalism call

I'm a little surprised Bottom Line Communications, a local PR firm interested in all things media, chose to report on a ethical dilemma facing journalists... reporting on the cause of death when it's suicide. But come to think of it, media consultants like Landsberg (pictured here) need to deal with such difficult issues for their clients.

I'm glad he did raise what isn't often raised in the media, and I link to it as I'm reminded about a well known local talk show host who took his own life last month. I didn't see how others handled former BZ talker Russ Johnson's death, but the blogs covered it and it was appropriate, in my view.

Here's his discussion about reporting suicide today:

http://www.bottomlinecom.com/kcnews/journalismtoughcalls.html

It's a good read...and another reason why I link to John Landsberg's "All things Media website.

Two Fer One

While I got ya on the horn, another blogger had a great one... having to do with journalistic ethics... this one about us bloggers, and people who make their livings shilling for others.

This one... well just read Hip Suburban White Guy's take for yourself. It does manage to nail you know who. And guess what? Not just bloggers... lots of reporters roll over for their sources. Even TV stations who follow cops and prosecutors around like puppydogs.

I have a few comments on journalist ethics myself... TV News What Local Stations Don't want you to Know.