(this is the letter I WILL be sending to all of the local media outlets Boston Globe, Herald, TV 4,5,7,25,38,56 and 9 in NH, adjusted to fit the particular recipiant...feel free to do the same....)
To (Editor, News Director)
I am appalled at the coverage you have recently carried on the VT Murders, I refuse to refer to it as a massacre, because, sadly, it sensationalizes a despicable act. These were cold blooded, senseless murders. Your coverage and airing (printing) of the perpetrator’s message, video’s, problems, issues, gives him a voice WHICH IS WHAT HE WANTED…you have rewarded his horrific behavior, worse you have empowered those who would copy his act…after all look how much HIS story has been broadcast/printed…
Where’s the story on each of the 33 victims. He gets the front page, the breaking news teaser, the lead story, your grab for ratings is disgusting, and should be considered criminal, unfortunately there is nothing illegal about gutter scraping for a story. You had an opportunity to stand out among your peers by publicly refusing to air/print any of his photos, or anything else other than the most basic facts regarding him.
It is painfully obvious to me that you lack the creativity to have an original thought, or if you do, you lack the intestinal fortitude to stand behind it. The one thing we did learn from your pathetic grab for the dollars, is that he was inspired by the Columbine shooters and felt for them…..I wonder how he found out about those details, do you have any ideas?
How many more are you inspiring with your irresponsible programming, I hope for your sake that those you love are nowhere near your next protégé when they decide they need their fifteen minutes. But then you’ll always have your ratings to comfort you, right?
