How Far Is Too Far?

When the press is not lazy and is actually trying to be an ethical beast, I know reporters and editors must ask each other, “How far do we go in a story? How much detail is required? How invasive should we get with a family’s details?”

Locally, the media loves to expose the worst in our politicians and government officials. Reporters will even eat their own at times: see Bob Hite or Russell Rhodes.

Fair enough. If you’re a public figure and do something stupid, wrong, greedy, etc., you ought to be taken to task.

But, what about the children of public figures? Should they be off limits when they do something equally dumb, stupid, or criminal? A year and a half ago, Bob Hite’s son Tyler was arrested for domestic battery. That arrest was widely covered in the local media. Was that fair to “out” the son because he has a famous dad?

Statewide, another field day was had at the expense of Jeb Bush’s daughter Noelle when she was arrested in 2002 for trying to fill a fake painkiller prescription.

Of course, on the national level, all bets are off when covering politicians. Sarah Palin’s unwed and pregnant daughter certainly became a focus for the chattering classes.

So let me pose these questions: Is the above legitimate reporting or is the media simply trying to sell more air time or newspapers? Is the media implying that the arrest of a son or daughter reflects poorly on the family skills of a famous parent?

Let’s take this one step further. What if, hypothetically, a local politician went through a divorce? Should that be reported? If Pam Iorio filed papers to divorce her husband, would or should that be newsworthy? I’d bet yes, if for no other reason, Iorio is high profile and newspapers and air time would sell.

I think our school board members should thank their lucky stars. While they complain that they get little political respect and are hidden on every election ballet just above Soil and Water Conservation officer, their private lives never get full scrutiny.

Ah, the stories we must be missing! Any comments from the peanut gallery?

posted by admin @ 9:48 AM