What is the proper way to report on mass shootings without being provoking another sick individual from acting out in this manner? It obviously isn’t the way it has occurred from Columbine to the shooting today at the Capital Gazette. Here are some guidlines that should be adopted by all in the free press.
(1) JUST FACTS– It is best to report the facts on the ground as they occur and not spend hours with hypotheticals.
(2) VICTIM’S 1ST– The news media should focus on those who were hurt or killed by this evil action and the toll to society as a whole before they even consider mentioning the perpetrator.
(3) VICTIM LARGER- Everytime there is a picture of the killer there should be larger pictures of their victim(s).
(3) MOVE ON- This is the most difficult of the 3 because the news media knows if it bleeds it leads but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a bandaid on and cover other news until there is actually true facts on the ground.