Friday, July 01, 2005

KODE posts information on website

A couple of posts ago I talked about KODE's mention of a 45-year-old Neosho man who has been charged with statutory sodomy. During the station's 5 p.m. newscast (and most likely in later newscasts, as well) the station let people know who the man's victim was.
This information is also posted on the station's website. I would hope that someone has a modicum of decency and removes it quickly.
There is a reason why newspapers and broadcast media have decided not to mention the names of victims of sexual crimes. I realize the name wasn't used on either the newscast or the website, but the victim's identity is obvious.
This is one of those situations that should be discussed in newsrooms so that it is handled better if it occurs in the future.

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