Use of the word 'killer' neither fair nor unbiased

Letter to the Editor:

For some time, I have seen a disappointing deterioration in the quality of writing by The Western News when covering local stories for publication.

I subscribe to, and read thoroughly every edition of TWN. And I am left frustrated, puzzled and suspicious of the gaps, vagueness and incomplete factual information that characterize too many of the stories you offer your readers.

I am not sure what might be the reason for this: Is it due to the fact that TWN is a small newspaper and limited to the amount of space it has to devote to the stories it reports? Is this the result of feeling obligated to any person or persons whose interests might be impacted if full disclosure were given to the story? I’d like to think not.

The fact remains that as a source of information to the public, you have an obligation and responsibility to inform your readers with complete stories from an objective point of perspective. Let’s not forget Brian Williams. Choosing our words and filtering our words as we write affect the end product and how it is received by subscribers.

In your March 1 edition of TWN, in front page bold print you wrote: “Accused killer pleads not guilty.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word “killer” as “one who or that which kills: a slayer, a butcher.” Roget’s offers synonyms such as “slayer,” “butcher,” and “murderer.” None of the above mentioned terms suggest any fair or unbiased approach to writing your article about Mr. Anthony.

It might grab the reader’s attention; it did mine. And let’s face it, people rely on what you write to stay informed about their town. From such sources as TWN, they form opinions about anything, right? But where does your responsibility come into play to deliver news in an objective, complete and factual manner?

It’s no different than the TV news we watch nightly. Who decides what story is first in the program’s lineup? For that matter, who decides what we are given as newsworthy information at all? Who makes the decisions as to how much time is given to each story, the sound bites included, or from what perspective, or angle, the story has been written? Taken at face value by the viewing audience, that news information becomes a powerfully influential force. It has the power to sway public opinion. Public sentiment and the resulting decisions made because of it, can breed a rush to judgment if not fairly presented. The same necessity for integrity applies to every form of information media.

On the front of my husband’s favorite T-shirt was printed, “Nothing is more painful than regret.” Mr. Anthony probably will begin every new day with that thought for the rest of his life. Let’s leave it to the justice system. Sensationalizing the tone of your coverage of any story is an injustice to whomever the story involves, it’s unfair to your readers and it reflects poorly in TWN.

Geraldine Fink,

Libby